The Duke Blue Devils took a big but expected hit today as star forward Brandon Ingram declared for the 2016 NBA Draft.
It was this time last year that Kentucky was making a serious push for Ingram, but he ultimately committed to Coach K and the Blue Devils, even though that didn't save them from a beatdown at the hands of the Wildcats.
A second-team All-ACC selection and the 2016 ACC Freshman of the Year, Ingram averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 34.6 minutes per game this season. He shot 44.2% from the floor and 41.0% from three-point territory.
With Ingram now in the draft, he's expected to go No. 1 or 2 overall as he battles LSU's Ben Simmons (also declared) for the top pick. This also means that Kentucky Jamal Murray's ceiling for the draft is No. 3 overall. Scouts just don't seem to think Murray offers as much as Ingram or Simmons, even if he's an amazing three-point shooter and scorer that should have a long pro career.
Had Ingram returned to Duke, there's no question they'd be the No. 1 team in college basketball next season. They still could if they land five-star center Marques Bolden, but even with him, they'll be far from being a consensus favorite to win it all next year.
Speaking of, Ingram leaving now opens up a scholarship spot for Bolden, assuming Derrick Thorton transfers as he's expected to. The big question now is if fellow Dukie Grayson Allen goes pro as well, or if he comes back and assures Duke is one again talked about at nauseum one of the top teams in college hoops.