Burgess to Transfer From Duke

Duke’s basketball program, considered a dynasty-in-waiting only a month ago, lost another player Monday when the school announced Chris Burgess, a sophomore center from Irvine, has decided to transfer.

Burgess is the third underclassman to leave since the top-ranked Blue Devils were upset by Connecticut in the NCAA championship game.

Elton Brand and William Avery, also sophomores, earlier declared for the the NBA draft.

Burgess is leaving because of concern about his development since graduating from Woodbridge High in 1997 as one of the top prep players in the nation, his father said. “He just wants a change due to lack of playing time,” Ken Burgess said. “It didn’t seem to be working.”

Burgess’ destination is up in the air because other schools weren’t allowed to talk to him under NCAA rules until he received his release from Duke, but his father said Utah is a candidate and expressed interest in UCLA, but ruled out Missouri, where former Duke assistant Quin Snyder is the new coach.

Burgess was expected to play a bigger role at Duke next season. But his father said he wasn’t sure even Brand’s departure would change things.

“We just knew he wasn’t getting better,” he said. “Even with Elton Brand, when they were up by 20 or 30, it was not like [Burgess was playing much.]”

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski, had this reaction: “I am surprised by the decision and the timing of it,” he said. “I certainly wish Chris and his family the best in the future.”