Duke guard Jaylen Blakes enters NCAA transfer portal

Duke guard Jaylen Blakes has entered the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer, On3 has learned. He appeared in 31 games this past season and made one start.

Blakes averaged 9.2 minutes in 2023-24 for the Blue Devils, scoring 1.8 points in that time. That came after his most productive season in 2022-23 in which he averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds across 13 minutes of action per game. He will graduate from Duke this spring.

Blakes played high school basketball at Blair Academy (N.J.), where he was a four-star recruit. He was the No. 106 overall player from the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

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To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

Blakes announced his decision to transfer in a post on instagram.

“As I prepare to graduate this semester, it has been a dream come true to be a part of the Duke University family and brotherhood for the past 3 years,” Blakes wrote. “I want to thank the Duke academic community, coaches, staff, teammates, and managers for their contribution and impact on my growth and development both on and off the court. I also want to express gratitude to ‘the village’ of special individuals who have been a tremendous source of support, encouragement, and inspiration. Thank you for always believing in me.

“Last but not least, I want to thank the fans and Cameron Crazies who have played a key role in my exciting and unforgettable experience. After extensive thought and prayer, I have decided to enter the TRANSFER PORTAL as a Grad Transfer. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my story.”

Blakes is the third Duke player to announce his intentions to transfer this week. The highest-profile name of the group is center Mark Mitchell, who told On3’s Joe Tipton of his plans to enter the portal on Tuesday. Mitchell was a key part of the Blue Devils starting lineup the last two years and put up his best season yet in 2023-24 with 11.3 points and 6.0 rebounds.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Duke University and all those who supported me over the past few years,” Mitchell said to On3 in a statement. “I am deeply appreciative of the impact this community has had on my life, and it will forever remain dear to my heart. Having said that, I have made the decision to enter my name into the transfer portal.”