Duke's Jabari Parker declares for NBA draft

Duke forward Jabari Parker has declared for the NBA draft in an article he wrote for Sports Illustrated along with Jeff Benedict. In it, he says he has sent his letter of intent to the NBA, officially ending his time with the Duke basketball program.

The move was expected by many, particularly after Parker made it clear he would forego the two-year mission that many Mormons go on at age 19.

In the article, Parker talks about how devastating it was to lose his final game at Duke, with the Blue Devils having been knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in the opening round by underdog Mercer.

He also talked about his relationship with head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who he calls the "godfather of college basketball," calling him a father figure, and saying he never wants to let him down.

Parker added that Coach K never tried to convince him to stay in Durham. "He has simply told me the pros and cons."

The freshman also noted that good friend Jahlil Okafor coming to Duke in the fall also strengthened his desire to return to the university.

Parker said his decision boiled down to two factors:

Which environment -- college or the NBA -- offers me the best opportunity to grow as a basketball player?

Which environment -- college or the NBA -- offers me the best opportunity to grow and develop off the court?

The answer to both questions is undeniably the NBA.

Parker's father, Sonny, played in the NBA, and so the freshman noted that the career span of a pro basketball player is finite, and that each year he stays in school shortens that span.

Parker said he thanked Coach K when the two met on Tuesday, and "told him that he is always going to be my coach."

Parker also noted that he has not yet chosen an agent, but as a projected top-three pick in the draft, he should have his pick of the litter.

The article can be read in its entirety here.