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Austin Rivers formally announces intention to enter NBA draft

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Mike Miller

Austin Rivers made it official on Monday. He’s leaving to Duke to enter the NBA draft.

The news first emerged last week, but the freshman guard discussed it further with his family over the weekend. He’ll hire an agent, precluding any chance of his return.

Rivers is expected to be a lottery pick in the draft.

“Austin had a terrific year as a freshman and has put himself in a position to pursue his dream of being a great player in the NBA,” coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement, adding his support. “We look forward to watching him continue to develop and excel at the next level.”

Rivers is the fourth Duke player to leave after one season, following Corey Maggette in 1999, Luol Deng in 2004 and Kyrie Irving last year. All three were lottery picks.

This now leaves Coach K with two one-and-dones in the last two years, both of them point guards. Who does he think he is? John Calipari?

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