Freshmen Exodus to the NBA Only Natural
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By DERON SNYDER
Prior to last year, just two freshmen had ever left Duke University for the NBA draft during coach Mike Krzyzewski’s long tenure. Now, in his 32nd season at the school, Krzyzewski has lost freshman players in back-to-back years: The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 pick in 2011, and Austin Rivers entered his name in the draft this week.
“Austin had a terrific year as a freshman and has put himself in a position to pursue his dream of being a great player in the NBA,” Krzyzewski said in a statement. “He is an outstanding young man with an even more impressive family. We are in total support of Austin, his family and his decision. We look forward to watching him continue to develop and excel at the next level.”
Ever since 2006, when the NBA stopped allowing high school players in the draft, the “one and done” phenomenon has been a major issue in college basketball. The University of Kentucky and coach John Calipari have come to symbolize the trend, drawing plenty of criticism as a result. Eight of the 40 players drafted by the NBA as freshmen the past six years came out of Calipari’s programs at Kentucky and Memphis. His freshmen have been top four picks in four consecutive drafts, including No. 1 picks John Wall in 2010 and Derrick Rose in 2008.
The streak is expected to continue this year, with Wildcats freshman Anthony Davis projected as the No. 1 pick and another, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, projected in the top five. Neither player has announced his intentions yet, but it’s completely understandable if they leave after this season. They’ll be guaranteed millions of dollars to play against the world’s best competition.
