Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Star Must Now Find New Home in NBA

At least for now, Duke basketball talent Vernon Carey Jr. is no longer on an NBA contract.

Matt Giles

Former Duke Basketball Star Must Now Find New Home in NBA
Former Duke Basketball Star Must Now Find New Home in NBA /
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The Utah Jazz waived former Duke basketball big man Vernon Carey Jr. this week before the 2019-20 Blue Devil and No. 32 overall draft pick had ever played a regular-season game for the franchise.

Carey, now 22 years old and three years removed from being the premier freshman in all of college basketball, signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Jazz one day before their season ended in early April. Then this past week, he saw action in three Salt Lake City Summer League games, averaging 10.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per outing.

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Across three seasons in the league, including stints with the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards, Carey has appeared in only 37 regular-season contests, totaling 72 points and 50 boards.

His combined 187 minutes as an NBA player are less than a quarter of his time on the floor as a Duke basketball one-and-done sensation.

Only time will tell what's next for Vernon Carey Jr.

He arrived in Durham four years ago as a five-star Florida prep, McDonald's All-American, and namesake of a former Miami Dolphins lineman. And he excelled as a Blue Devil via his brute strength, soft touch, sharp instincts, and old-school post moves.

But unfortunately, the 6-foot-9 bruiser doesn't fit the mold of a highly sought-after NBA center in today's game.

RELATED: List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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