Dariq Whitehead got here to Duke as a five-star recruit loaded with upside. Following Duke’s loss within the NCAA Tournament, Whitehead has made his closing choice on the 2023 NBA Draft.
Whitehead will be entering the draft, the freshman introduced. As he prepares to go away the Blue Devils, Whitehead had a closing message on the teachings he realized at Duke earlier than his transition into the NBA.
“To my Duke Family, I wished to take a second to precise my gratitude in your assist this previous 12 months,” Whitehead’s assertion learn. “Through the ups and downs, I’m past grateful for the love and encouragement you’ve proven me throughout my time in Durham. I’ll all the time be a Blue Devil.”
In his assertion, Whitehead additionally thanked his household, buddies and coaches for serving to his improvement. He ended by formally declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft whereas asserting he has employed Excel Sports Management for illustration.
Whitehead handled quite a few accidents all through his one 12 months with Duke. He suffered each a fractured foot and a decrease leg damage. Whitehead was restricted to only 28 video games, averaging 8.3 factors and a couple of.4 rebounds per sport.
While his efficiency didn’t reside as much as expectations, Whitehead continues to be one of many premier prospects on this 12 months’s NBA Draft. Not solely does he have a five-star pedigree, however Whitehead shot 43 p.c from three at Duke. Teams will nonetheless be tantalized by Whitehead’s uncooked potential.
Dariq Whitehead didn’t have a storybook season with Duke. However, he acquired precisely what he wished out of the chance. Now, Whitehead will enter the 2023 NBA Draft and wait to doubtless hear his title referred to as within the first-round.