Duke’s Vanessa de Jesus Enters the Transfer Portal
Vanessa de Jesus, a prominent member of the Duke women’s basketball team, has officially entered the transfer portal, signaling the end of her five-year career with the Blue Devils. The graduate student and guard made the decision after experiencing both successes and setbacks during her time in Durham, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that will be remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
De Jesus’ time at Duke was marked by both triumphs and challenges. She played a pivotal role in the Blue Devils’ backcourt for much of her career, helping to lead the team through several seasons of competitive play. Her career statistics, including 5.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, reflect her steady contributions on the court. Although her scoring numbers might not be eye-popping, her value came in other areas — especially as a steady presence on both ends of the floor. She played with determination and grit, often taking on leadership responsibilities and being a mentor to younger players.
The 2023-24 season was particularly challenging for de Jesus, as she missed much of the campaign due to a knee injury. After a promising start to her career, the injury sidelined her and prevented her from fully realizing her potential during her final year. However, her resilience during this time only further endeared her to her teammates and coaches. Despite her absence from active play, de Jesus was a constant source of support for the Blue Devils from the sidelines, helping to guide the team with her experience and knowledge of the game.
Duke’s head coach, Kara Lawson, praised de Jesus for her contributions to the program, reflecting on how the guard’s mentality and leadership were invaluable. Lawson stated, “She’s such a special player, and I will always remember that… I could coach another 20 years and never coach a kid like de Jesus. Her team-first approach, her work ethic, her mentality, and how she really gives to everybody in the program.” Lawson’s words underscore the type of player de Jesus was — one who prioritized the success of her team over individual accolades and brought an unmatched work ethic to everything she did.
De Jesus also made an impact on the international stage, representing the Philippines national team at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in 2023. Her time playing for her family’s home country was a source of immense pride and joy for the player. The experience further highlighted her versatile talents and international aspirations, as she excelled both for her college team and her national team.
In her active years, one of the high points of de Jesus’ career came in the 2022-23 season when she scored a career-high 17 points in a game against Richmond. This game was a reminder of the potential she brought to the floor when healthy and how much she could contribute to her team’s success. While injuries may have interrupted her trajectory, de Jesus proved to be a consistent and valuable player throughout her Duke career.
De Jesus’ departure from Duke marks a significant moment for the program, as she was an important leader on and off the court. Her decision to enter the transfer portal comes at a time when her future remains uncertain, but it opens the door to new opportunities. Whether she continues her playing career at another program or pursues other professional opportunities, de Jesus has left a lasting legacy at Duke, one defined by hard work, leadership, and a commitment to team success.
While Duke women’s basketball fans will miss her contributions, there is no doubt that Vanessa de Jesus’ impact on the program will be remembered for years to come.
