Sophomores Elton Brand and Will Avery have decided to forego their last two seasons of college, according to a source very close to the team. In making themselves eligible for the upcoming NBA draft, the pair would become the first men's basketball players from Duke to leave early for a professional career.
Another source confirmed that freshman Corey Maggette remains undecided about his future.
According to the first source, Brand had planned on leaving a while ago and firmed his decision as he received a number of national awards at the end of the season. Academics played a large factor in Avery's decision, as did publicity in the last few months as his stature rose around the country.
"I don't think it was hard," the source said of their decision. "This was both of their goals all along. This is what they want."
At least one of the players-Avery-has met with Mike Krzyzewski in the past few days. According to the source, however, Krzyzewski is unaware of Avery's final decision. The head coach is recovering in his Durham home after hip replacement surgery last week.
For Brand, speculation has been rampant over the
"After his success after this season, he knew he was going," the source said. "With all of the recognition, he knew now was the time."
Avery, on the other hand, was not as heralded in the fall and made up his mind at a much later point as his game improved and the national media took notice.
The point guard finished the year just several votes short of making the All-ACC first team after averaging 14.9 points and just over five assists a game.
He decided to go pro "when he was doing well the last few months," the source said. "He didn't expect [to leave early in the season] because he wasn't getting as much recognition."
Academics were also involved. The source was sure Avery would fail out of school if he stayed. A student in one of Avery's classes said Avery had been to class just three times all semester.
Tom Kosempa, Duke's associate sports information director, said he was unaware that either player had reached a decision. He did say a press conference is tentatively scheduled for Brand this week, and both players will hold a formal press conference at some point regardless of whether or not they leave.
Kosempa said weekend reports attributed to him that claimed Avery would be holding a press conference this week were false.
Attempts to reach Brand and Avery, along with associate head coach Johnny Dawkins, were unanswered.
While Brand and Avery have firmed up their decision, freshman Corey Maggette is still undecided another source close to the situation confirmed this weekend. At least one published report, in consultation with NBA scouts, said Maggette could be a high first-round pick if he chooses to enter the draft this season.
Underclassmen have until May 15 to officially announce their intentions.
Along with the graduation of seniors Trajan Langdon and Taymon Domzalski and these underclass departures, the Blue Devils will lose a number of components from this year's 37-2 team. Duke does bring in five recruits next year, including point guard Jason Williams and big man Carlos Boozer.
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