Rodney Chatman transfers to Vanderbilt

During his time at UD, Chatman was known for his defense, but also provided valuable leadership and drive to help the Flyers achieve the highest point in their history during the 2019-20 season. Photo courtesy of Griffin Quinn, Flyer News.

Luc Almeda
Sports Staff Writer

Rodney Chatman sat out the entire 2019/20 Dayton basketball season as a transfer from Chattanooga. He chose to join a raw UD team with a new coach, young talent, and an uncertain future.

Two years after becoming a Flyer, his name is one that fans will remember forever. Chatman was a starter on one of Dayton’s greatest teams of all time. He locked down the future number one overall NBA draft pick (Anthony Edwards) at the Maui Invitational, a huge college basketball stage. He cemented himself as one of Dayton’s all-time defenders. 

After two impressive seasons, he is graduating as a UD Flyer in the midst of a global pandemic, and will be transferring to Vanderbilt to obtain a graduate degree while continuing to play basketball at the highest level.

He explained his decision to transfer in posts on Twitter and Instagram.

“It has been a great three years here,” Chatman wrote. “I will forever appreciate my time and the history made here. Playing in the NCAA tournament has always been my goal, and last year unfortunately that opportunity was taken away from us. I would like to thank all my teammates I’ve had here as we’ve become brothers. Also thanks to the great coaching staff and trainers for helping me be the best version of myself.”

“With that being said, I have talked this matter over with my family, and we have come to the decision that I will be entering my name in the transfer portal as I will weigh my options to make the best decision moving forward as a grad transfer or professionally. Thank you, Flyer Nation.”

https://twitter.com/RodneyC_/status/1374415247482580993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1374415247482580993%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.daytondailynews.com%2Fsports%2Fdaytons-chatman-enters-transfer-portal-will-weigh-his-options%2F26OPMZUNRJDCJCFMN2IFBSC4NU%2F

In Chatman’s two active years at Dayton, he started 42 out of 43 games that he played in. In the 2020-21 season, he battled through an injury alongside any complications brought on by. He played in just 12 games last season for Dayton after tearing a ligament in his right hand during the Atlantic 10 opener against La Salle. 

Chatman, a fifth-year senior, chose to retain his eligibility, but as a graduate transfer. He averaged 7.8 points, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game over two seasons in Dayton. 

Because of COVID, the NCAA is allowing an extra year of eligibility to all players. This means that anyone playing this season, whether they be a senior, fifth-year senior, or graduate transfer, is allowed another year in the NCAA. 

There are a record number of division I NCAA basketball players in the transfer portal this year. According to verbalcommits.com, there are 1,419 transfers to date in just 2021 at the time of this article. Last year, that number reached 1,026.

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