Duke Blue Devils

Duke's Kennard entering NBA draft after breakout season

Published Apr. 6, 2017 3:04 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

AP

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Duke guard Luke Kennard is entering the NBA draft after a breakout sophomore season.

Kennard announced his decision through the school Thursday and says he plans to hire an agent, which means he won't have the option to return for his junior year.

Kennard averaged 19.5 points and shot nearly 49 percent, earning a spot on the Associated Press All-America second team.

He says he has ''a lot of work ahead'' of him but is ''confident that I'm ready and have a great foundation for success.''

The 6-foot-6 guard is projected to be a mid- to late-first-round pick.

Kennard is the fifth player leaving this year's team early. Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles turned pro following their freshman seasons, while backup big men Chase Jeter and Sean Obi are transferring.

---

More AP college basketball coverage: http://collegebasketball.ap.org and twitter.com/AP-Top25

share

Get more from Duke Blue Devils Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Duke Blue Devils

Atlantic Coast