Duke's Tatum, potential No. 1 pick, declares for NBA draft
Duke star freshman Jayson Tatum has declared for the 2017 NBA Draft, the school announced Wednesday.
The forward becomes just the 10th Duke freshman to declare for the draft, but eighth since 2011, and is expected to be selected in the top five, with some slotting the forward in as the potential first overall pick.
“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.”
Tatum averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, while showing off a strong athletic presence as a versatile player who can handle the ball down low or out on the perimeter.
“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 made headlines for his massive dunks and putbacks, and set a Duke single-season record with six games of at least 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
The 6-8, 205-pounder is also the third player under Krzyzewski at Duke to average 16-plus points and seven-plus rebounds as a freshman (Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor).
Tatum's season came to an end when Duke was upset by South Carolina in the second round of the NCAA tournament.