After a freshman season in which he provided Duke with its most enduring memory of the year, Austin Rivers announced Monday that he will hire an agent and enter the 2012 NBA draft.
“I would like to thank the coaches, my teammates and the fans for helping make this past year at Duke so special,” Rivers said in a release provided by Duke. “Coach K and the rest of the staff really helped me develop and improve in all areas of the game.
“It was a difficult decision to leave Duke, but I am excited about chasing my dream of playing in the NBA.”
With his cross-over and impressive hesitation move, Rivers was the Blue Devils’ most adept player at creating his own shot. He averaged 15.5 points per game, becoming only the third Duke freshman to lead the team in scoring. Along the way, Rivers impressed enough to be a unanimous pick for ACC freshman of the year.
When the Blue Devils’ players, coaches and fans think back on an uneven season that included a loss to Lehigh in Duke's first NCAA tournament game, Rivers’ 3-pointer over Tyler Zeller to give Duke a win at North Carolina on Feb. 8 will likely be one of the first things that comes to mind. Rivers hit six 3-pointers in the game and scored 29 points.
Afterward, Rivers called it the best day of his life.
“Austin (Rivers) had a terrific year as a freshman and has put himself in a position to pursue his dream of being a great player in the NBA,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said in the release. “He is an outstanding young man with an even more impressive family. We are in total support of Austin, his family and the decision.
“We look forward to watching him continue to develop and excel at the next level.”
Before Rivers announced his decision Monday afternoon, Doc Rivers – who coaches for the NBA’s Boston Celtics – said that he thought Rivers' ability to score off the dribble and get to the rim would translate to the NBA. Doc Rivers said that was a skill Rivers consciously tried to develop this season to prepare him for the pros.
Doc Rivers also indicated that his son was torn about his decision.
“If it wasn’t for Coach K, it would be easier for him (to turn professional),” Doc Rivers said.
In the end, the allure of the NBA game was too much.
Rivers said more than once this season that he couldn’t wait to play professionally. When asked early in the season if Duke’s rigorous travel schedule was taxing, Rivers said that he enjoyed it because it seemed just like the NBA.
Doc Rivers said his son’s heart has always been connected to the NBA “because that’s what he’s been around; he’s seen it.”
Before his performance at UNC, Rivers said the thought of playing professionally was one of the things that motivated him.
“People always ask what makes me hungry now – I haven’t done anything yet,” Rivers said at the time. “I had a great high school career; I was No. 1. I don’t care. No one cares about that any more. At Duke, I haven’t won a national championship; I haven’t won an ACC tournament.
“I don’t play in the NBA. I haven’t done anything. I have everything that can motivate me.”
While Rivers ultimately didn’t accomplish the first two goals, he thinks his time in Durham will be advantageous when he gets to the NBA.
“Duke has prepared me for the challenges that are ahead both on and off the court,” Rivers said in the release. “I have learned so much from the coaching staff and my teammates that will help me succeed at the next level.”
Most projections have Rivers landing somewhere between picks 10-20 of the draft, although that is subject to change based on workouts and who enters the draft.
Doc Rivers said that despite his connections around the NBA, he isn’t sure other teams were candid with him in projecting Austin’s pro potential. As Rivers described it, it was an awkward situation being simultaneously the father of a draft prospect and the coach of a franchise.
“Team that really want him,” Doc Rivers said, “don’t want (the Celtics) to know.”
Without Rivers, Duke will need Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins and incoming freshman Rasheed Sulaimon to carry much of the scoring load on the perimeter.
Rivers will be watching from afar.
“It was so fun playing there and becoming a part of the Duke family,” Rivers said on his Twitter account.
Comments
Austin Rivers One & Done
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 15:33 — watergateThe One and done players going to college basketball programs are a real drag on team development. The NCAA should revisit the one year requirement for students to apply to the NBA and require at least 2 years with a minimum GPA of 2.25 to apply to the NBA. After all is it not the purpose to colleges to educate these players or are they just places to go to be recruited?
Yo
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 21:14 — gvillegatrIt's not up to the University's. It is up to the NBA to make the decision when a kid can play in their league.
Really?
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 16:56 — richardfocRequire a minimum GPA in order to leave school to get a job? I don't think so. The purpose of college is to educate and prepare a person to get a job in the 'real' world. Would you suggest that Bill Gates should have stayed at Harvard instead of leaving prior to graduation to start Microsoft? If I had been presented the opportunity to earn millions after one or two years of college I would have lept at the opportunity and I feel safe in saying so would anybody else on here.
All the one and
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 11:43 — unc098All the one and dones.....
no surprises here
I suspect we shouldn't be surprised to see 4 go from the Heels.
Surprised
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 14:18 — SurferI would be surprised to see 4 go from the Heels. Unless it is a group decision, but if that is the case, then the decision for all to stay could be made, as well.
The question is...
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 12:43 — JPDOhiowill staying another year improve their standing?
Much has been made about Barnes and Henson returning last year, but the NBA labor issues at the time made that a much easier decision. Barnes, Henson and Marshall are all first rounders and potential lottery picks. I don't see how they improve on that with another year. Coupled with the risk of injury, I can't see any of them staying.
McAdoo, of course, is another story. That kid needs to stay.
Yep, Agree about the big
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 22:38 — unc098Yep, Agree about the big three. McAdoo gets the glory if he stays. Have to say that he really stepped up his game at the end and actually looks better than some past 1st rounders , one and doners, so I am not sure. It would be big blow and would leave us completely without an inside presense. It is what it is. The ' wishful thinkers', myself included, would hope that Barnes and Henson would rise above the money and go for a NC. But that is some pretty selfish thinking......They got to do what they got to do, and they should do what works the best for them.
Win win
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:24 — SurferThey are in a no lose situation. Actually, staying would seem to be the best in the long run. Another shot, plus some improvement along the way, while enjoying the college life.
perfect fit
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 11:55 — SurferTaking that "left foot first stutter step" to the NBA, where walking will never be called, just like during his college career. Good luck at the next level.
Him and
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 13:15 — gvillegatrCurry both.
Them and
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 16:11 — OpenMikeTravel Hansborough.
Who?
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 14:16 — SurferWho is this "Hansborough" you speak of?
The bitch of it is
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 21:26 — gvillegatrHansbrough DID NOT travel.
LMFAO
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 09:56 — OpenMikeEveryday I'm shufflin'. Good song! Now I'll be dancing all day! Thanks!
Hmmm,
Wed, 03/28/2012 - 10:46 — gvillegatrI thought it was, "Everyday I'm Russellin' ??!!
Some things about his
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 20:51 — duke_blueSome things about his playing style they will miss and some things they will be better without. Good luck Austin!