By JACOB POLACHECK
Duke freshman Vernon Carey Jr. is entering the 2020 NBA Draft, he announced Friday via Twitter.
“I am very thankful for the opportunities I’ve had my whole life to put on a basketball jersey and play at the highest level every step of the way,” said Carey. “I’ve been able to do that because of the amazing support of my family, coaches and teammates. I’m lucky to have parents who have always encouraged me to dream big, and motivated me to compete with and challenge the best. We did that at Duke every day. I loved competing with my teammates on the biggest stage in college basketball. We created memories that I will cherish forever.”
I grew as a player and person, and feel prepared to take that next step,” Carey said. “After an incredible season, I am excited to enter the 2020 NBA Draft. I will always appreciate everyone at Duke who invested their time and energy to make me better — Coach K and our coaches, our entire support staff, our managers, the Cameron Crazies and so many others across campus. Duke is a special place and you already know I will be back soon to catch a game and support my brothers.”
Carey averaged 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.7 steals per game in 31 games played as a freshman. He started in 30 of Duke’s 31 games and shot 57.7 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three point range.
Carey was selected by both the USBWA and NABC as the National Freshman of the Year. He was all named a consensus second-team All-American, the ACC Freshman of the Year and a first-team All-ACC selection.
“We were honored to have Vernon and his family in our program this season,” Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement released Friday. “He had an incredible year, being named one of our team’s Most Valuable Players, the National Freshman of the Year and a consensus All-American. I’m am so proud to have had the opportunity to coach such a tremendous young man. He came every day looking to get better, and I know the best is yet to come for him. I want to congratulate Vernon and his family on this decision and wish him nothing but the best as he begins what will be a special NBA career.”
Carey is currently ranked as the No. 28 best available prospect in the 2020 Draft on ESPN’s Big Board.
Photo: Duke Athletics
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