East grad transfers to Bellarmine

Another Division I point guard from Columbus has transferred.

A few weeks ago, Columbus North graduate Ali Patberg transferred from the Notre Dame to the Indiana University women’s basketball program. Now, Columbus East grad Parker Chitty is making the move from Eastern Kentucky to Bellarmine’s men’s team.

“After a whole year at Eastern Kentucky, it kind of becomes a home. At the end of the year, just rethinking the decision, my family and I thought Bellarmine would be a better fit. It’s always tough leaving, especially when you put in that much time at a school.”

The 6-foot-2 Chitty played in all 31 games and started four as a freshman for Eastern Kentucky this season. He averaged 1.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 11.2 minutes a game for the Colonels, who went 12-19.

His father, East coach Brent Chitty, said his son’s style of play is more suited to the Bellarmine offense. Bellarmine plays more of a motion offense, while Eastern Kentucky was more one-on-one.

“In the NBA, there are certain guys that on some teams can’t play, and on other teams, their role fits that system,” Brent Chitty said. “That’s just the way it works. Back in the day when (Jerry) Sloan was (coaching) the Utah Jazz and (Bill) Laimbeer was with the Pistons, there’s just certain roles with certain fits.”

Parker Chitty is the single-season and career assists leader at East. He was an Indiana Junior All-Star in 2015.

As a senior in 2016, he made the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association’s Senior Supreme 15 and was named The Republic Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

“Parker comes to us from a tremendous basketball background that plays and teaches the game the way we believe the game should be played,” Bellarmine coach Scott Davenport said in a news release. “He is a very poised athlete on and off the floor. I am very impressed with his preparation to excel for us. Playing hard and having great work ethic are talents, and Parker excels in these two very important areas. He is a true student of the game who has been blessed with the ability to play the game at a high level. Everyone associated with our program is thrilled that Parker Chitty is a Knight.”

Parker Chitty, a business major, made the Dean’s List his first semester at EKU. Because of that, he didn’t have to go to study tables the second semester, but he continued to attend to set an example for his teammates.

Both Chittys said Parker has no ill feelings toward Eastern.

At Bellarmine, a Division II school in Louisville, the younger Chitty will be able to play right away. He already has a connection with Knights junior-to-be Adam Eberhart, who was a neighbor while they were growing up in Evansville.

“Coach Scott Davenport is a great coach, and the chemistry that I have with those guys is great,” Parker Chitty said. “Overall, it’s a better fit for me. It’s closer to home, and I’m excited to get there.”