After successfully leading Duke to a National Championship, Jahlil Okafor now sets his eyes upon playing in the biggest stage of basketball—the NBA.
Duke University announced on Thursday in a release that Okafor has declared to enter this year’s NBA Draft.
“As early as I can remember, I’ve fantasized and dreamed of the day that I could play professional basketball,” said Okafor. “ I recall at the age of six, promising my mom and dad that when I made it to the NBA I would buy them both different colored trucks. They would laugh with me in support and encouraged me to dream big and work hard. With that being said and now at the age of 19, my dream is still alive! My freshman year has been an amazing experience to say the least. It exceeded my expectations! I love Cameron and Duke University! I can’t thank my coaches, teammates and family enough for making this year so special and helping me grow on and off the court. With Coach K’s and my family’s blessing I will be fulfilling my life-long dream and proudly entering my name into the NBA draft.”
Many if not everyone expected this move from Okafor, who has already been prospected in most 2015 NBA Mock Drafts to be the top pick. In his first year he did not disappoint becoming the first freshman to be named the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year with averages of 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks per contest.
But even with this dominant year and the Championship for Okafor, it’s never a sure thing that he will be the first name that Adam Silver calls out come draft night. Don’t sleep on Kentucky’s promising big man, Karl-Anthony Towns, who’s also projected by many as a top choice. Except the Knicks of course.
Benjamin Felix Santos is an aspiring NBA writer, who bleeds the purple and gold. His love and passion for the game will never die.
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