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Duke Blue Devils: Brandon Ingram declares

By John Woodcock

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts against Oregon Ducks during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts against Oregon Ducks during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Duke Blue Devils freshman Brandon Ingram is effectively ‘one and done’ as he has declared for the NBA Draft.

The Duke Blue Devils understood that this was the transition year. They shed talent when Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones all declared for the NBA Draft last year. They opted to replace those spots with Brandon Ingram, Chase Jeter, Luke Kennard, and Derryck Thornton. It was a young roster that got younger when Amile Jefferson went down for the season.

Now one of the big ticket members, Ingram, has declared for the NBA Draft. It is not a big surprise considering that he is ranked one or two on most draft boards. The 6’9” forward with the ridiculous wingspan was always going to be a coveted talent at the next level.

So Ingram leaves Duke with a 2nd team All-ACC mention and Freshman of the Year title. He averaged eighteen points a game and spent much of the season out of his true position. Of course in the days of Giannis Antetokuonmpo, the pros might just decide to turn him into a point guard.

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Ingram’s scoring partner Grayson Allen is also well represented in first round mock drafts and could also leave Duke during the off season. There is no news from the Allen camp on this front, but April 24 is the last day on can declare for the draft. A potential draftee has until June to pull out of the process.

If the two do leave it will give Duke a nucleus of Thornton, Kennard, and Jeter to build around for the next couple of seasons. If Duke’s recruiting stays high then they could challenge for another national title in a couple of years.

Next: GT Hunting Jeff Capel

Also in Duke news, Jeff Capel has removed his name from consideration for the Georgia Tech job. With that and the Vanderbilt job filling today, Capel will most certainly be back on the Duke bench for next season.

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