One of the main reason(s) that Chase did not get drafted is that
he was not "selfish" enough on the Court! Yes, it would have
been nice if Chase was taller, but there are a lot of players in
the NBA that are shorter than he is, slower than he is, with less
basketball IQ, cannot shoot, dribble or play defense, but somehow
found their way into the league/NBA, right?
Unfortunately, majority of Aztecs Fans did not see Chase play during
his High School years before he broke his leg. Ironically, prior to
breaking his leg, his game and style of play was compared to Dwyane
Wade, as Wade is his favorite player.
Obviously, when one suffers a career ending injury, one may be reluctant
to attack the basket with reckless abandon (like he did) and display his
athleticism. For example, against Arizona, Chase should have had the mindset
to "dunk/slam the ball as he drove to the basket instead of layup! Only
Chase can answer the "why" he chose to change his style of play after he
broke his leg.
As a former player/parent, I can only surmise that he had a fear in
the back of his mind that if he continued to play in an attack mode
in College like he did in HS, maybe he suffers another serious injury to
his leg and end his playing career.
I am thankful and grateful that the injury God protected him over his
four year college career! However, I believe his fear of suffering another
leg injury" caused him change his style of play. As I have often told him,
he has no reason to whine or complain about not making it to the NBA because
he had plenty of opportunities and exposure during his Aztec college career.
Finally, had Chase led the Aztecs in scoring, assists, steals, won a couple
of MWC POY awards, played "selfishly" and dunked the ball at every opportunity
like he did prior to his leg injury, I have no doubt that he would been drafted
by an NBA team! Bottomline, he did not make it to the league, so it is time
for him, his relatives, parents, friends and fans to move on! Go Aztecs!