In a surprising announcement on Friday, Duke Blue Devils freshman forward Sean Stewart took to Instagram to announce his decision to enter the transfer portal, marking his departure from the program after just one year.

Stewart, a standout player from Montverde Academy, had high hopes when he committed to Duke in late 2021. However, his time with the Blue Devils did not pan out as expected. Throughout the season, Stewart averaged only 8.4 minutes, 2.6 points, and 3.2 rebounds per game in 33 appearances.

Despite limited playing time, Stewart's impact on the court began to increase as the season progressed. As a four-star recruit, his exceptional athleticism and impressive physical gifts were evident every time he stepped onto the court, creating some of the most eye-catching highlights of the team.

One of Stewart's standout performances came against N.C. State, where he played a season-high 26 minutes, scoring 12 points, grabbing five rebounds, and blocking three shots. Despite sporadic playing opportunities, Stewart always made the most of his time on the court, showcasing his potential and talent.

Stewart's decision to transfer comes as a surprise, considering his strong connection to Duke. However, with head coach Jon Scheyer bringing in a talented frontcourt for the upcoming season, led by the consensus No. 1 recruit Cooper Flagg, it is understandable that Stewart may have sought more consistent playing time elsewhere.

This news follows the departure of another freshman forward, TJ Power, who also announced his decision to leave the Blue Devils just a day prior. Both players' decisions to transfer indicate that the changing landscape of the team's incoming recruiting class may have influenced their choices.

As the seventh player to transfer from Duke this offseason, Stewart's departure raises questions about the program's ability to retain players and maintain continuity. Nonetheless, Duke fans will undoubtedly wish Stewart the best as he embarks on a new chapter in his college basketball journey.