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Vanderbilt basketball got dealt a big blow on Friday; rising forward Sheldon Jeter won't be returning to Nashville for his sophomore season.
The athletic wing has decided to transfer from Vanderbilt in order to play closer to his Beaver Fall, PA home. Jeter was a bright spot in the 'Dores rebuilding season this winter. The 6'7" guard/forward gave Vandy its most credible inside/out presence, and he stepped into the dunking role that Jeffery Taylor had left behind when he graduated in 2012. Jeter was also the highest rated member of the recruiting class of '12, which featured another player who has decided to leave Memorial Gym behind after just one season - A.J. Astroth.
According to Jeter's Twitter account, the basis for his move is "personal reasons." He has not yet decided on a transfer destination. Given his talent and his desire to play close to home, schools like Pittsburgh and West Virginia may be in the mix for his services - but that's just speculation.
The move will leave a big hole in Kevin Stallings's lineup. Jeter had been primed to take over a starting role in 2013-2014. His emergence sparked the 'Dores turnaround and helped lead a very young team to a 16-win season and a trip to the SEC Tournament semifinals. Rod Odom and Kevin Bright, the last member of Stallings's 2012 haul, will earn additional minutes on the wing in his absence.
Jeter had a bright future ahead of him at Vanderbilt, but you can't argue with personal issues. Here's hoping that Sheldon fixes whatever problems have been hurting him, and that he finds success at his next destination (as long as it isn't Tennessee).