The quarantine has given us all some extra time to think. And after weeks of thinking, Cassius Stanley has finally announced his plans for next season.
Per a release from the team Tuesday afternoon, Stanley has announced that he is entering the 2020 NBA draft. The announcement comes on the heels of Tre Jones entering the draft, leaving Jordan Goldwire and incoming recruit D.J. Steward atop Duke’s backcourt depth chart.
"As much as I feel a burning desire to make another run at the Final Four, I feel compelled to make the best decision for my professional success, and therefore, I have decided to enter the 2020 NBA Draft," Stanley said in the release. "I want to thank Coach K, the entire Duke coaching staff and my teammates for all their support. I also want to thank our trainers, strength coaches, managers, administrative staff, and academic support staff. Last but not least, thanks to the Crazies and Duke fans all over the world for helping to make this past year the most fun I've ever had playing the sport we all love."
Stanley's full statement can be found in his tweet below.
Recent NBA mock drafts have had Stanley as a late first-round or early second-round draft pick, and despite his declaring, if the draft is anything like the mocks, this will be the first draft since 2013 not to feature a Duke freshman in the lottery.
Seemingly unfazed by this, Stanley is electing to enter professional ball as quickly as possible. The high-flying guard averaged 12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists this year, including 20-point showings against Louisville and North Carolina and some truly memorable dunks.
"It was an absolute joy to coach Cassius this season," head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in the release. "I want to congratulate him and his great family on this decision. I've seen Cassius grow both as a player and person here at Duke, and I can't wait to see how his career develops at the next level. Any NBA team will be very fortunate to get such a mature young man who is not only an incredibly-gifted athlete, but a leader that wants nothing but the best for himself and his teammates."
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