DURHAM, N.C.--Duke sophomore center Chris Burgess has been granted a request to transfer, school officials announced yesterday.

The 6-foot 10, 245-pound Burgess saw limited action backing up national player of the year Elton Brand last season, averaging 5.4 points and 3.9 rebounds.

A Mormon, Burgess had talked late in the season about possibly leaving the team to go on a two-year church mission. A statement released by the school did not address the issue.

"He didn't indicate what he planned to do about that," said Duke sports information director Mike Cragg.

Burgess is the third Blue Devil to leave the team in the past two weeks. Fellow sophomores Brand and William Avery had announced their intentions to enter the 1999 NBA draft.

Freshman Corey Maggette was also reportedly considering leaving early for the pros but hadn't made up his mind as of late last week. The deadline for underclassmen to send a letter to the NBA declaring for the draft is May 16'.