Austin Rivers: Duke Star Officially Decides to Enter the 2012 NBA Draft

Well, that was a short stay.

After only one season with the Duke Blue Devils, freshman guard Austin Rivers is hiring an agent and heading to the NBA. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski announced Rivers' decision on Monday evening.

Rivers spent the weekend with his family near Orlando to decide his future. He leaves the program with nothing but positive things to say about his experience in Durham (via Rivals.com):

"

Duke has prepared me for the challenges that are ahead both on and off the court. I have learned so much from the coaching staff and my teammates that will help me succeed at the next level.

"

Rivers becomes the fourth Blue Devil freshman to enter the draft after one season, joining Corey Maggette (1999), Luol Deng (2004) and Kyrie Irving (2011). All three of them were Top 13 picks in the NBA draft.

Rivers, the 2012 ACC Rookie of the Year, led the team with 15.5 points per game, making him the third player in Duke history to lead the team in scoring his freshman year. The previous two players were Bill Sapp (1945) and Johnny Dawkins (1983).

Rivers will forever be remembered for the three-pointer he hit at the buzzer on the road to beat arch-rival North Carolina, 85-84, en route to a career-high 29 points. His collegiate career went out with a fizzle, as his second-seeded Blue Devils fell to No. 15 Leigh, 75-70, with Rivers shooting a poor 5-of-14 from the floor.

Coach K had nothing but praise for the 19-year-old son of Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers (via Rivals):

"

Austin had a terrific year as a freshman and has put himself in a position to pursue his dream of being a great player in the NBA. We look forward to watching him continue to develop and excel at the next level.

"

So, where will Rivers end up?

With his pedigree, athleticism and shooting touch, a spot in the Top 10 seems like a lock. He won't be able to leapfrog Kentucky's Anthony Davis, assuming he declares after the tournament, but a selection in the No. 3-to-No. 8 range sounds about right.

When you are a shoo-in for the lottery, it's hard to pass it up. Now, Rivers moves on to the next challenge.

Would the Celtics trade up to land him? You know Doc would love to.  

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