It's official: Dunleavy enters NBA draft

Mike Dunleavy officially declared himself eligible for the NBA draft Saturday, ending days of rumors and speculation about the future of the men's basketball co-captain. According to a statement released by the men's basketball program, Dunleavy will enter the draft but not hire an agent, allowing him to return to school if he so desires.

"It has always been my dream to play in the NBA," the rising senior said in a statement. "I want to exercise my right to see where I stand in this year's draft so that I can make an informed decision for myself and my family."

Unlike his teammates Carlos Boozer and Jay (formerly Jason) Williams, who said they were graduating early and entering the NBA draft, Dunleavy played all of last season with his team's, fans' and the media's expectation that he would be back for his senior year. Dunleavy was recently named a co-captain for the second year in anticipation of his return, and earlier in the season coach Mike Krzyzewski told The Chronicle that Dunleavy would be back for a fourth year.

"I am in full support of Mike's decision," Krzyzewski said in a statement Saturday. "I will try to help him make the best decision possible."

According to NCAA guidelines, since Dunleavy will not hire an agent he may withdraw his name from the draft pool and return to school. However, by entering the draft, Dunleavy may go to pre-draft workouts and camps and get a better feel of his projected selection. There has been speculation both inside and outside of the program that Dunleavy will return to Duke for his senior season if he is not satisfied with his projected draft position.

Dunleavy was a second team All-America selection last season. He averaged 17.3 points and 7.2 boards per game en route to the Blue Devils' Sweet 16 appearance.

If Dunleavy does not sign with an agent, he has through June 19 to withdraw his name in order to return and retain his eligibility. The NBA draft will be held June 26 in New York.