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R.J. Barrett, left, with Duke teammates Zion Williamson, center, and Tre Jones, right, celebrates the Blue Devils' victory over Florida State in the championship game of the ACC Tournament on March 16, 2019, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)

Duke Superstar Declares Eligibility for NBA Draft

By The Wildcard April 10, 2019 at 9:34am

R.J. Barrett is leaving Duke after one season to enter the NBA draft.

Barrett announced his decision Wednesday in a video posted on social media.

“I want to thank God, my family, my coaches and everyone that has helped me reach this decision,” he said in the tweet.

I want to thank God, my family, my coaches and everyone that has helped me reach this decision ?? pic.twitter.com/z3GwdcV2ht

— Rj Barrett (@RjBarrett6) April 10, 2019

In the video, Barrett said playing at Duke is a dream and adds that “it’s also a dream of mine to play in the NBA and have great success there.”

School spokesman Mike DeGeorge said Barrett plans to hire an agent but has not yet chosen one.

Do you think Williamson and Barrett will go first and second in the NBA draft?

The AP All-American averaged an Atlantic Coast Conference-best 22.6 points along with 7.6 rebounds while forming half of perhaps the nation’s most potent one-two punch along with classmate and roommate Zion Williamson.

Williamson is also expected to declare for the draft.

Duke fans wished Barrett the best on Twitter.

Congrats RJ and thank you!! Go tear up the league now!! ??? #TheBrotherhood

— Rick Heidrick (@rhj_24324) April 10, 2019

Go cook in the league bro. We’ll always be riding with you.

— The Brotherhood (@The_Brothrhood) April 10, 2019

Thank you for an amazing year! We are so excited for you and grateful to call you a Blue Devil. Can’t wait to see your success in the NBA. Go get’em! #TheBrotherhood

— Jason Bennett (@jason_bennett10) April 10, 2019

Good luck!!! You are the man. Loved watching you in the Duke uniform. You gave it your all. Brotherhood forever!!??

— Greg Warner (@Gdub92775) April 10, 2019

Barrett is widely projected as a lottery pick.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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