Duke's Hurt declares for NBA draft after breakout season

Updated Apr. 14, 2021 5:59 p.m. ET

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke forward Matthew Hurt is declaring for the NBA draft and intends to hire an agent following a breakout sophomore season in which he became the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top scorer.

The Blue Devils (13-11) faced a season-long battle trying to make their 25th consecutive NCAA Tournament before they

Hurt averaged 18.6 points in conference play. His 56% shooting ranked second in the ACC and included 56-of-126 3-point accuracy (44%), helping him earn All-ACC first team and most improved player honors.

in a release Wednesday, the 6-foot-9 Hurt thanked his family, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and his staff, saying it was a dream to play at the school. He also stated his dream of playing in the NBA, adding that Duke made him a better player and person “and has put me in a position to take this next step in my career.”

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Hurt's announcement comes 13 days after teammate

Krzyzewski wished Hurt the best and said the NBA team that drafts him is getting a player dedicated to his craft. The coach added, “He is already a pro in how he approaches the game and approaches his development as a player and a person.”

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