The Duke Blue Devils, as expected, will lose sophomore Rodney Hood to the NBA after the 6-foot-8 forward formally declared his intention to enter the NBA Draft.
In a statement quoted by Yahoo! Sports, Hood said: ''Now it is time to move on to the next level and chase my dream of becoming an NBA player." He also thanked the Blue Devils and coach Mike Krzyzewski for helping him grow and develop as a player and person in preparation for the NBA.
Hood follows the footsteps of his much-heralded teammate, Jabari Parker, who is projected as one of the possible candidates for the No. 1 overall pick. He averaged 16 points, close to 4 rebounds and 2 assists for Duke this year after sitting out last season following his transfer from Mississippi State. He formed a lethal 1-2 scoring combo with Parker for the Blue Devils this season.
Krzyzewski said in a statement: ''He was an integral part of our team two years ago because he was such a great practice player and this year he was one of the best players in the country. He will do really well in the NBA and obviously he will always be a part of what we do and we wish him the best.''
As early as last month, the coach had hinted that his star forward would be leaving the school after he was quoted as saying: ''I wish we had him for more than one year'' during last month's ACC tournament.
According to Draft Express, Hood could end up as the 22th pick of this year's draft. He was a member of the Second Team-All-ACC.
How will Hood fare as an NBA player? Tell us @SportsWN.
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