INDIANAPOLIS — Duke freshman center Jahlil Okafor will likely huddle with his family and coach Mike Krzyzewski in the coming days about his future plans.
But in the immediate aftermath of winning an NCAA championship as a freshman, the NBA wasn’t on his mind.
“I love Coach K, I haven’t even thought about [spending another year at Duke] yet,” he said in the locker room after he went for 10 points and 3 rebounds in 22 minutes while being saddled with four fouls. “I just can’t wait to celebrate.”
The 6-foot-11 big man was later asked when he might huddle with his inner circle and make a decision.
“No idea,” he said. “I’m worried about this right now. This is all I wanted to do and who I want to be right now, national champions.”
Okafor is widely projected as a top-2 pick, with DraftExpress.com slotting him at No. 2 behind Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns.
“I’m taking Okafor [No.] 1,” one NBA scout told SNY.tv. “The reason that I take Okafor No. 1 is because you need a legitimate low-post scorer that’s a center. That’s what Jahlil Okafor is. He’s a back-to-the basket, legitimate center.”
Kentucky coach John Calipari said Monday that at least five — and maybe seven — of his players would likely come out, including Towns.
Along with Okafor, Duke freshman wing Justise Winslow is projected as the No. 5 pick in the draft, and Final Four MOP Tyus Jones at No. 21.
“Not in Top 15,” one NBA scout told SNY.tv’s Josh Newman of Jones. “If any team after that needs a backup point guard, he would be a great backup for the Spurs or Clippers.”
He added of Jones: “He showed he can play at a high level under pressure. His stock will never be higher. If he comes back he risks injury and people dissecting his weaknesses.”
Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com added that Jones’ draft position could rise or fall depending on who else declares for the draft.
“I think because there are a lot of unknowns regarding who might enter,” Givony told USA Today. “A bunch of these guys can move him up or down still.”
If Jones, who was brilliant in the title game, leaves, Duke will be without a pure point guard next season unless they add a transfer.
Photo: USA Today Sports
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