Duke point guard Tre Jones, who was named the ACC player of the year for 2019-20, has decided to enter the 2020 NBA draft, the school announced Saturday
Jones, a sophomore, averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists a game as the floor leader for the Blue Devils. In addition to leading the offense, he also was named the ACC's defensive player of the year, averaging 1.8 steals per game.
"When I started my journey at Duke my main goal was to win a national championship," Jones said in a statement. "Given what has had happened in our world recently, our season was cut short and we never got the opportunity to bring No. 6 back home. I think about what if, what would have happened if we got that chance? But I can't think about what didn't happen, I can only think about what did happen.
"What did happen was the amazing experiences and relationships I gained with my brothers, the knowledge I received from Coach K and all of the Duke staff to become a better player and person, and the endless support from the Crazies and all the Duke fans. Duke has taught me what it means and what it takes to be the best at what I do. My journey is just getting started. As I look to begin my career at the next level I will always and forever cherish everything Duke."
Jones is Duke's career leader in assist/turnover ratio at +2.87, ranking third all-time in assists per game (5.8) and fifth in career steals per game (1.83).
"This is such a special moment for Tre and his family," Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement, "I couldn't be prouder of what he accomplished this season as both the ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He's been the heart and soul of our program over the last two seasons, and it's been a joy for me to watch him develop as a player and leader. There aren't many as competitive as him, and I know the best is yet to come. I want to thank Tre for being such a pleasure to coach, and I wish him nothing but the best as he pursues his NBA career."
Also, Duke forward Alex O'Connell announced on twitter that he is entering the transfer portal.
"These past three years have been filled with nothing but blessings and love from Duke. However, I will be opening my recruitment and exploring other options. I want to thank all of the Duke fans and crazies as well as the Duke coaches and staff. #newbeginnings," O'Connell said in the tweet.
As a junior this past season, O'Connell played in 29 games, averaging 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game.
