Gary Trent Jr. Declares for 2018 NBA Draft After 1 Season at Duke

Duke freshman guard Gary Trent Jr. announced Saturday he'll enter the 2018 NBA draft:

"Gary was the best three-point shooter in the ACC. At the NBA level, that's what they're looking for," head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement, per the Duke Chronicle. "He has the size of a 2-guard who will be able to fit in the NBA. We appreciate everything Gary brought to Duke basketball and wish him the best as he begins his journey in professional basketball."

Jonathan M. Alexander of the News & Observer reported Trent will hire an agent.

Trent joins Marvin Bagley III and Trevon Duval as Duke freshman entering the draft, while center Wendell Carter Jr. is a likely top-10 pick and is expected to enter the event as well. With Grayson Allen graduating, the Blue Devils could have a completely new starting lineup in 2018-19. 

Trent had a strong freshman season, averaging 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from three. He also made 87.6 percent of his free throws. His 6'6" size and ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting make him an intriguing 2-guard prospect. 

But whether that's enough to make him a first-round pick remains to be seen. B/R's Jonathan Wasserman didn't have him off the board in the first round in his latest mock draft, noting on Saturday that, "Incoming freshmen at Duke could have used him next year. Another prospect many seem split on."

Jeremy Woo of SI.com didn't have Trent as a first-round pick either in his most recent mock, instead projecting him as the No. 42 overall selection.

Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports had Trent off the board at No. 16 overall in his most recent mock, however, noting: "Trent came on late for Duke, displaying his smooth mid-range game—think Ron Mercer—and eagerness to make the big shot. Not especially shifty, he instead relies on a change-of-pace approach that often frees him to pull up or use his burly 6'6", 235-pound frame to absorb contact. Trent is ready to contribute right away."