DURHAM, N.C. – Duke sophomore Rodney Hood will enter the 2014 NBA Draft , as announced by head coach Mike Krzyzewski Friday. Hood, a second team All-ACC selection, averaged 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in helping the Blue Devils to a 26-9 record and the program's 19th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
"Rodney had two terrific years here at Duke," Krzyzewski said. "He was an integral part of our team two years ago because he was such a great practice player and this year he was one of the best players in the country. So consistent and a great young man on and off the court. He will do really well in the NBA and obviously he will always be a part of what we do and we wish him the best."
Hood finished the year ranked among the ACC leaders in scoring (8th, 16.1 ppg.), field goal percentage (4th, .464 – 191-of-412), free throw percentage (9th, .807 – 109-of-135), three-point percentage (1st, .420 – 71-of-169) and made three-pointers (8th, 2.03). He was the only player in the ACC to rank among the top 10 in each of those categories. The Meridian, Miss., native was second on the team with 30 double-figure scoring games, including 10 games with 20 or more points scored.
A transfer from Mississippi State where he was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2011-12, Hood had the most points and three-point field goals in a first season by a transfer under Coach K. He was at his best in Cameron Indoor Stadium, where he averaged 17.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 51.5 percent (101-of-196) from the field, 41.0 percent (34-of-83) from three-point range and 87.2 percent (68-of-78) from the free throw line.
"I want to thank Coach K, the entire coaching staff, my teammates and everyone involved with the Duke program for giving me this opportunity," said Hood. "Playing at Duke was a lifelong dream. Everything I experienced here has helped me grow and develop as a player and as a person. The fan support during the year I sat out and the year I played was something that I will remember for a lifetime. Now it is time to move on to the next level and chase my dream of becoming an NBA player. Duke played a large part in preparing me for this step and I am looking forward to making the most of it."
Hood along with teammate Jabari Parker become the 13th and 14th NBA Draft early entrees from Duke. Eight of the previous 12 players went on to be selected in the NBA Draft Lottery, including No. 1 overall selections Elton Brand (1999) and Kyrie Irving (2011).
Duke – NBA Draft Early Entrees
Year Player Round (Pick)
1999 Elton Brand 1st (1)
Corey Maggette 1st (13)
William Avery 1st (14)
2002 Jason Williams 1st (2)
Mike Dunleavy 1st (3)
Carlos Boozer 2nd (35)
2004 Luol Deng 1st (7)
2005 Shavlik Randolph undrafted
2007 Josh McRoberts 2nd (37)
2009 Gerald Henderson 1st (12)
2011 Kyrie Irving 1st (1)
2012 Austin Rivers 1st (10)
2014 Jabari Parker -
Rodney Hood -
