Duke's Rodney Hood officially declares for NBA draft
Rodney Hood was never secretive about his intentions to enter the 2014 NBA Draft, but on Friday, a day after teammate Jabari Parker declared himself, Hood made it official.
“Rodney had two terrific years here at Duke,” Head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement released through the university's official athletics site. “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 transferred to Duke from Mississippi State after being named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2011-12.
“I want to thank Coach K, the entire coaching staff, my teammates and everyone involved with the Duke program for giving me this opportunity,” Hood said in a statement. “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.”
Hood becomes just the 14th early entry in the NBA Draft out of Duke. Only one such player has not been selected in the first 37 picks of the draft.