Associated Press
DURHAM ó Gerald Henderson is entering the NBA draft but is keeping open the option to return to Duke for his senior season.
The school said in an announcement Saturday that Henderson won’t hire an agent yet.
“Playing in the NBA has been a goal of mine since a young age and I am thrilled to have the opportunity,” Henderson said.
The decision wasn’t much of a surprise, because the swingman was widely expected to test his draft stock after a productive junior year in which he led the Blue Devils with 16.5 points and scored at least 10 points in 31 games.
He helped Duke win its 11th Atlantic Coast Conference tournament title, finish 30-7 and reach the NCAA tournament’s round of 16 for the first time since 2006.
“Gerald is an impressive young man, on and off the court,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “We had great conversations about his NBA prospects, and we are 100 percent behind his decision. Gerald is coming off a great season and he has an extremely bright future as a professional.”
If he stays in the draft, he would be the Blue Devils’ only regular starter not returning for next season.
His decision came a day before the deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft. Those who have not hired agents may withdraw by June 15.