WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

Deng To Test NBA Draft Waters, Will Not Hire Agent

Apr 28, 2004

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke's Luol Deng is making himself available for the NBA draft. But the freshman is not ruling out a return to school.

The school announced Deng's decision Tuesday, saying he will not hire an agent for now. That would keep open the option of returning for his sophomore season.

Deng has until June 17 to remove his name from consideration for the draft and retain his college eligibility.

Deng averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game to lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four. In a statement, Deng said: "The opportunity to play professional basketball has always been a dream of mine. I will continue to gather information to make the best decision possible."

In a statement, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said he supports Deng's decision.

"Based on our information, it is apparent he will be a high pick in this year's NBA draft," Krzyzewski said.

If he stays in the draft, Deng would be the seventh Duke player to leave school early for the NBA.