Add Cassius Stanley to the list of star college basketball players who will never experience the NCAA Tournament.
Stanley announced on Tuesday that he has decided to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. He issued a lengthy message to Duke fans saying he is disappointed in the way the 2019-20 season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, but he considers choosing to play at Duke “the best decision of my life.”
THANK YOU DUKE! . BROTHERHOOD FOR LIFE! pic.twitter.com/ewUM4NymEw
— Cassius Stanley (@cassius_stanley) April 7, 2020
“As much as I feel a burning desire to make another run at the Final Four, I feel compelled to make the best decision for my professional success,” Stanley said. “In evaluating players, the NBA values youth. Therefore, I have decided to enter the 2020 NBA Draft. As tough as this decision has been, I believe it is the bests decision for me and my loved ones.”
Here’s the written version of Stanley’s full statement.
— Cassius Stanley (@cassius_stanley) April 7, 2020
Stanley appeared in 29 games for the Blue Devils this season. The star guard averaged 12.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Many mock drafts have him going somewhere in the second round, but it would not be a surprise if he snuck into the first.
