Austin Rivers' Duke career is now officially a blip on the radar screen of history. It was announced Monday and confirmed by Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski that Rivers would forgo his remaining years of college eligibility by signing with an agent and entering the NBA Draft this summer.
If you are shocked by this then I invite you to come out from under the rock you've called home and catch up on the other news like the fall of communism and the advent of Netflix.
The rumors started circulating late last week and over the weekend that Rivers would sign with an agent but his father Doc Rivers and Duke were refuting that he had in fact made that decision. As it turns out he most likely had they just wanted to announce it on their own terms.
Rivers' career was highly anticipated coming in as he was seen as one of the best incoming freshman at the beginning of the year.
And while he was a very good college player, in my opinion, he wasn't quite an elite talent. That doesn't mean he won't develop into an elite pro player, but from what I saw of his game he still has some growing up to do.
Rivers was a good but not a great shooter. He was clearly more comfortable creating his shot off of the bounce, which he did quite effectively. However, he struggled at times finishing near the basket, especially if it required him to go left.
His free throw shooting also left something to be desired.
Still Rivers was Duke's most talented player this past season, leading the Blue Devils in scoring averaging just over 15 points per game.He was also second on the team in assists with 71 on the season.
Rivers drew criticism from some Duke fans for what they felt was his selfish ways and immature nature. I have been critical for his demeanor at time but felt like another year in college could help him mature and become an even better all around player.
But it appears his detractors are getting their wish as he is moving on, becoming the second player in as many years to leave the Blue Devils early for the NBA.
It is a tough pill to swallow for some fans who were so use to seeing Duke's most talented players stick around at least up until the 1999 season. But the one and done phenomena has turned some of the best programs and players into one year rentals.
I'm not a fan of one and dons but until the NBA changes it age limit and the NCAA steps up and adopts a baseball-like rule requiring players who go to college commit to more than a year, we are all going to see a lot more players like Rivers.
And while a lot of fans had hoped he might stay for at least one more season, his departure doesn't come as a shock to me and it should shock anyone else either.
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