Duke's Tyus Jones declares for NBA draft

Duke freshman guard Tyus Jones will enter the 2015 NBA Draft, the university announced Wednesday.

"Tyus could not have done a better job for us this past year," Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement. "We're so very happy for him and his family to have the opportunity to declare for the draft. He is projected to be a first-round pick. He's going to get a lot better, but people have already seen him and know how he handles himself, especially in pressure situations and in the biggest games. He comes through like a champion! I loved coaching him, and I believe he'll be an outstanding professional. At this time, I think it's so appropriate for him to take advantage of this opportunity."

In six NCAA tournament games, Jones averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals, and was named the 2015 Final Four Most Outstanding Player.

"Coming to Duke was a dream of mine and being a part of such a special team was amazing," Jones said in a statement. "I knew coming in I would be a part of a great team, but I never envisioned I would be a part of such an incredible family. That is what has made winning a national championship such an amazing experience. I am faced with the tough decision of returning to a place I love or pursuing my next dream. With the support and guidance of my family, my coaches, my teammates, and Duke University, I have decided to start my professional career."

Jones is the third Blue Devil this year to enter the NBA draft after just one season of college basketball. Prior to that, only five players left for the NBA draft after one year at Duke.

Jones joins fellow Duke freshmen Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow in entering the draft. DraftExpress has him ranked as the No. 21 prospect in this year's class.

Duke has produced a first-round selection in the NBA draft in each of the past four years.