Following a freshman season in which he emerged as one of the nation’s top multi-dimensional players, Duke forward Jayson Tatum will enter the 2017 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-8 Tatum is currently projected as the No. 4 pick by DraftExpress.com behind Washington’s Markelle Fultz, UCLA’s Lonzo Ball and Kansas’ Josh Jackson.
Tatum is the 10th Duke freshman to declare for the NBA Draft, joining Corey Maggette (1999), Luol Deng (2004), Kyrie Irving (2011), Austin Rivers (2012), Jabari Parker (2014), Tyus Jones (2015), Jahlil Okafor (2015), Justise Winslow (2015) and Brandon Ingram (2016).
Each of the previous nine Duke freshman in the draft was a first-round selection, including eight lottery picks.
“I have absolutely loved coaching Jayson Tatum,” Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “His skill set and work ethic will make him a star in the NBA. Whichever team selects him will be getting a humble, thoughtful and talented young man whom we are proud to call a member of the Duke Basketball brotherhood.”
Tatum averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Blue Devils in 2016-17, ranking second on the team and among ACC freshmen in both categories. He shot .452 from the floor and .849 from the free throw line in 33.3 minutes per game.
The St. Louis native currently ranks fifth in the ACC in free throw percentage, 10th in rebound average and 12th in scoring.
“I’m excited to take the next step in pursuing my lifelong dream of playing basketball at the highest possible level,” Tatum said. “With that said, I’ve loved my time at Duke. The Brotherhood is a real thing and I’ll always be part of the bond between former, current and future Duke players. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, family and friends for the unwavering support I’ve received as I pursue my dream.”
Duke has produced at least one first-round NBA Draft pick in each of the last six years. Coach K has mentored 32 first-round picks, including a draft-record 21 lottery selections.
Fellow freshman Harry Giles is projected at No. 25 by DraftExpress.com, while sophomore Luke Kennard is at No. 20 and junior Grayson Allen at No. 40.
(Release via Duke)
