DURHAM, N.C. — Vernon Carey, named the nation’s top freshman player after leading Duke 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 released by Duke. “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, Fla., 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.
A five-star recruit out of high school, Carey’s departure from Duke after one season had been expected. 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 all-ACC and was a consensus second-team all-American.
“We were honored to have Vernon and his family in our program this season,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement released by Duke. “He had an incredible year, being named one of our team’s Most Valuable Players, the National Freshman of the Year and a consensus All-American. I’m am so proud to have had the opportunity to coach such a tremendous young man. He came every day looking to get better, and I know the best is yet to come for him. I want to congratulate Vernon and his family on this decision and wish him nothing but the best as he begins what will be a special NBA career.”
Carey joins fellow freshman Cassius Stanley and sophomore point guard Tre Jones as Duke’s early entrants to the draft pool.
Carey, along with 6-10 seniors Javin DeLaurier and Justin Robinson, handled the minutes in the post for Duke last season.
With all three leaving, Duke will have 7-0 freshman center Mark Williams and 6-10 Columbia transfer Patrick Tape to handle that position next season.
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