The reigning Final Four Most Outstanding Player is going pro and Duke will now see its third freshmen declare for the 2015 NBA Draft.
Jones announced his decision Wednesday morning in a statement released by the Duke University athletic department's official website. Not generally considered a lottery selection, Jones ended any speculation suggesting he might play another season for coach Mike Krzyzewski.
"Coming to Duke was a dream of mine and being a part of such a special team was amazing," Jones in the statement. "I knew coming in I would be a part of a great team, but I never envisioned I would be a part of such an incredible family. That is what has made winning a national championship such an amazing experience. I am faced with the tough decision of returning to a place I love or pursuing my next dream. With the support and guidance of my family, my coaches, my teammates, and Duke University, I have decided to start my professional career. Even though I am entering the NBA Draft, I will forever be a Duke Blue Devil."
Krzyzewski believes Jones will be a first round pick and various unnamed NBA executives told ESPN's Jeff Goodman the six-foot-one guard will likely go 20th overall at the earliest. He may not have prototypical size for a point guard, but Jones showed off a lethal jump shot within and beyond the three-point arc, as well as a high free throw percentage.
Jones is the third Duke freshmen this season to declare for the draft, joining forward Justise Winslow and center Jahlil Okafor.
"Tyus could not have done a better job for us this past year," Krzyzewski said in the statement. "We're so very happy for him and his family to have the opportunity to declare for the draft. He is projected to be a first-round pick. He's going to get a lot better, but people have already seen him and know how he handles himself, especially in pressure situations and in the biggest games. He comes through like a champion! I loved coaching him, and I believe he'll be an outstanding professional. At this time, I think is so appropriate for him to take advantage of this opportunity."
