Once thought to only be affecting the city of Lexington, Kentucky, the “One and Done” syndrome has now moved down Tobacco Road to Duke University.
Duke, after yesterday’s announcement that Tournament MOP Tyus Jones is leaving early for the NBA, has now lost three underclassmen from its 2015 Championship team. Jones joins teammates Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow in entering their names for the 2015 NBA Draft.
Winslow, in a release, stated:
“This year at Duke University, my dreams and aspirations have literally come true. Since I was a kid in third grade playing for the Houston Jaguars, I envisioned one day playing at the collegiate level and winning a championship. If you fast forward 10 years and my dream became a reality. The friendships and relationships I’ve formed with those a part of the Duke and Durham community have been even better than winning the National Championship. With that being said, my family and I have decided that I should declare for the NBA draft this year. Considering the success and growth that I have experienced over this past year as a player and as a person, I believe it is time to take the next step on my career path and play at the highest level.
He also posted the following message on his Instagram account:
“I would like to thank Duke University for allowing me to be a part of such a prestigious institution where I have learned more about myself inside and outside of the classroom than I ever thought I could. I would like to thank the students of Duke University for allowing me to develop my character and be myself without any judgment. You all have made this year extremely entertaining. I would like to thank Coach K and the rest of the coaching staff for helping me become a better player mentally and physically. I would like to thank the entire Duke Basketball Program for accepting me with open arms and caring for me unconditionally. Lastly, I would like to thank my teammates who over the course of this past year have become my best friends, my brothers, and NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. Duke University will forever be in heart and I am proud to say that I am DUKE BLUE DEVIL for life.”
Tysu Jones, who averaged 11.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds as a freshman, is expected to be taken in the first round after Okafor and Winslow.
