Star Duke freshman Marvin Bagley III officially announced his decision to declare for the 2018 NBA Draft in a post on his Instagram account Wednesday evening.
“I can’t believe the time has come for me to say this but I would like to announce that I will be declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft,” Bagley’s post reads in part. “I learned a lot this year on and off of the court and I’m thankful for the opportunity. Thank you Duke!!!”
Considered one of the draft’s top prospects, Bagley, a 6-foot-11 forward, averaged 21 points and 11.1 rebounds for the Blue Devils this season. He was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s rookie and player of the year, becoming the second player in the ACC’s 65-year history to take home both awards in the same season. Duke’s Jahlil Okafor accomplished the feat in 2014-15.
“No freshman has done more in his freshman year than Marvin,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a press release. “He’s broken every record and he’s really represented us at the highest level. I’m proud of him because he came in late and he adapted at the highest level. We wish him well. He and his family have prepared him well for this move. He’s ready. I can only see great things happening for him.”
Bagley is the 10th Duke player to make the move to the pros after just one season since 2011.
