Rodney Hood Will Enter 2014 NBA Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Updates from Friday, April 18

GoDuke.com's staff provides a statement from Rodney Hood confirming he will enter the 2014 NBA draft:

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I want to thank Coach K, the entire coaching staff, my teammates and everyone involved with the Duke program for giving me this opportunity. 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.

"

GoDuke.com also provided a statement from Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski discussing Hood's future:

"

Rodney had two terrific years here at Duke. 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.

"

Original Text

Rodney Hood's transition from Mississippi State to Duke went so well that he has decided to switch things up once again.     

This time, the Blue Devils standout sophomore will make the move to the NBA.

Adam Zagoria of SNY first reported the news:

It seemed as though head coach Mike Krzyzewski anticipated this decision.

"I wish we had him for more than one year, because the growth that he's had in this year is terrific, and it's because he wants to be coached and he takes responsibility," Coach K said in March, via The Chronicle's Daniel Carp.

It's not difficult to see why Coach K was hoping for another year out of Hood. 

After sitting out a season following his transfer from Mississippi State, the 6'8", 215-pound small forward averaged 16.1 points on 46.4 percent shooting. He shot an impressive 42 percent from three-point range and averaged 19.5 points per 40 minutes. 

Still, the numbers might not even fully do him justice. 

While Hood was most dangerous as an outside shooter, he showed an ability as a versatile offensive threat while often locking up the opposing team's best perimeter player on defense. Jabari Parker understandably got most of the attention, but Hood was vital to Duke's success on both ends of the court. 

Nevertheless, while he would have immediately become a favorite for ACC Player of the Year next season, the NBA was calling. 

Although he may not be a superstar against NBA competition, Hood has good size and can score at all three levels of the court. As a pro-ready prospect with a smooth lefty jump shot, he could immediately help a contender as a role player. 

Sports Illustrated's Martin Rickman put it simply:

Expect to hear his name called somewhere near the end of the lottery or in the middle of the first round. 

Meanwhile in Durham, Hood will be missed, but with four McDonald's All-Americans—Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones, Justise Winslow and Grayson Allen—on the way, he won't be too missed on what is sure to be yet another loaded Blue Devils roster.