Another Duke Bluedevil is one-and-done, as Brandon Ingram becomes the latest to join a handful of freshmen to declare for the NBA Draft after one season at the university.
Ingram announced his decision today with a goodbye letter to the school. The Atlantic Coast Conference’s freshman of the year averaged 17.6 points per game this past season and led Duke to the Sweet 16, but the team was eliminated from the tournament by the Oregon Ducks.
Brandon is fighting for his right to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, battling Ben Simmons, who has been the consensus No. 1 pick leading up the NCAA season.
My time is almost over here in Durham. Today as I declare for the NBA Draft, I’m both excited and sad about this moment.
On one hand, one year at Duke isn’t a very long time. I know that. But I’ve done a lot of growing, and growing up, in that time. I know by leaving I’ll miss out on a lot of friendships and opportunities. I’ll really miss all the students who showed me so much love. One of my favorite parts of the Duke basketball tradition is the high-five line at the end of home games. The students who camp out for seats for up to a week before a game — and get in their seats two hours early — are always still there after the final buzzer. Win or lose. You guys gave me the energy and support that I needed. I’ll never forget you all.
The draft order is unknown as of yet, but most mock drafts have the sharp shooting Duke small forward going No. 2 to the Los Angeles Lakers.
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