It comes as little surprise, but on Tuesday, Duke freshman wing Justise Winslow declared for the 2015 NBA Draft. After helping the Blue Devils to the national championship, the Houston native announced his decision with a release from the school.
“This year at Duke University, my dreams and aspirations have literally come true,” Winslow said in the release. “Since I was a kid in third grade playing for the Houston Jaguars, I envisioned one day playing at the collegiate level and winning a championship. If you fast forward 10 years and my dream became a reality. The friendships and relationships I’ve formed with those a part of the Duke and Durham community have been even better than winning the National Championship. With that being said, my family and I have decided that I should declare for the NBA draft this year. Considering the success and growth that I have experienced over this past year as a player and as a person, I believe it is time to take the next step on my career path and play at the highest level.”
The 6-foot-6 Winslow is projected as the No. 5 overall pick in the latest Draft Express 2015 NBA Draft mock draft. In 39 games during the 2014-15 season, Winslow averaged 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Winslow also shot well from the floor as he was 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range.
After winning a national title and likely being a lottery pick, this is the easy choice for Winslow to make. He joins fellow Duke freshman Jahlil Okafor in the 2015 NBA Draft as freshman point guard Tyus Jones still has yet to make a decision on his future.