Duke big man Carey Jr. to enter NBA draft
Vernon Carey, named the nation’s top freshman player after leading the Blue Devils in scoring and rebounding, is leaving Duke to pursue an NBA career.
The 6-foot-10 Carey will enter his name in the NBA draft pool and intends to end his college career, according to Duke athletics.
“I loved competing with my teammates on the biggest stage in college basketball,” Carey said in a statement. “We created memories that I will cherish forever. I grew as a player and person, and feel prepared to take that next step. After an incredible season, I am excited to enter the 2020 NBA draft.
‘‘I will always appreciate everyone at Duke who invested their time and energy to make me better — Coach K and our coaches, our entire support staff, our managers, the Cameron Crazies and so many others across campus. Duke is a special place and you already know I will be back soon to catch a game and support my brothers.”
Carey, from Southwest Ranches and the son of former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey (2004-11), averaged 17.8 points and 8.8 rebounds as the Blue Devils went
25-6 last season, including a 15-5 ACC record. He blocked 1.6 shots per game.
He’s projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick in this year’s NBA draft. Carey was named the
ACC’s top freshman and won several national freshman of the year awards. He was named first-team allACC and was a consensus second-team all-American. Carey joins fellow freshman Cassius Stanley and sophomore point guard Tre Jones as Duke’s early entrants to the draft pool.
ETC.
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