I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. A range of emotions accompanied the difficult choice to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. However, throughout it all, the unwavering support of the Blue Devils community made this decision feel like the right one. This letter, this message, is not just a farewell—it is a testament to the journey that we have shared and the lasting impact that Duke University and its incredible basketball program have had on my life.
Every athlete’s journey is marked by milestones, struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices. But as I sit here, reflecting on my time with the Blue Devils, it becomes increasingly clear that this chapter of my life will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Choosing to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft was a decision I didn’t make lightly. It is a culmination of years of hard work, personal growth, and the endless pursuit of excellence. It was a decision shaped not only by my dreams of playing at the highest level but also by the support, love, and guidance that I’ve received from this university, my teammates, my coaches, and the entire Blue Devils family.
The Journey to Duke
Before I ever stepped onto the floor at Cameron Indoor Stadium, I dreamed of playing at the highest level of basketball. Growing up, I watched countless college games, idolized players who wore the Duke blue, and envisioned myself on that iconic hardwood. But even beyond the allure of the game, there was something about Duke—its legacy, its commitment to excellence, and the way the community came together—that spoke to me in a way that no other program did.
When I first received an offer to join the Blue Devils, it was a moment I’ll never forget. It was more than just a scholarship offer; it was an opportunity to be part of a storied tradition, to challenge myself beyond what I had ever imagined, and to grow as both a player and a person.
In those early days, the reality of wearing a Duke uniform felt surreal. But as soon as I stepped onto that court for the first time, I understood exactly why so many great players had walked those same steps before me. From the packed stands at Cameron Indoor to the energy and passion of the student section, there was a palpable feeling that something bigger than just basketball was at play. There was a sense of pride, a deep connection to history, and an unwavering expectation to give everything I had to the program.
The Impact of My Teammates
I can’t begin to express how important my teammates have been in this journey. From day one, they embraced me as one of their own, and we quickly formed a bond that transcends the game of basketball. We were more than just teammates—we were brothers, pushing each other to new heights, holding each other accountable, and supporting each other through every challenge.
I’ve learned so much from each of them, not only in terms of basketball but in how to approach life with humility, passion, and resilience. Together, we celebrated victories, faced setbacks, and made countless memories that will stay with me forever. Each of these moments helped shape me into the player I am today, and I am proud to have had the privilege of sharing the court with such talented and hardworking individuals.
The Blue Devils family extends far beyond just the team itself. It includes the countless staff members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our success, the trainers who helped me recover from injuries and stay at peak performance, and the strength coaches who challenged me to become stronger both mentally and physically.
In particular, I want to thank the coaching staff for their guidance, discipline, and unwavering belief in my potential. Coach [Name], in particular, has been an invaluable mentor to me. The lessons I’ve learned under their leadership will stay with me throughout my career. The way they not only pushed me to be a better basketball player but also to become a better person has been something I’ll always carry with me.
The Fans and the Blue Devils Community
No program in college basketball has a fanbase quite like Duke. The passion, the energy, and the love that you all bring to every game is unparalleled. From the moment I first stepped onto the court at Cameron, I was blown away by the warmth and support of the Blue Devils faithful. The student section, the alumni, the families—every game felt like a homecoming, a chance to come together as a community and share in the love of the game.
But what stands out the most to me is the way the Blue Devils community stands behind its players. Whether we were on a hot streak or struggling through tough times, the support was unwavering. Fans didn’t just cheer for us when things were going well; they lifted us up when we needed it the most, reminding us that we were part of something much bigger than just basketball.
Duke has a tradition of greatness, and to have been a small part of that legacy is an honor I will never take for granted. Every time I stepped onto the court, I did so with the knowledge that I was representing not only myself but also the generations of players, coaches, and fans who had come before me and helped build this program into what it is today.
The Academics
While my time at Duke was certainly defined by basketball, I also had the privilege of being part of an academic environment that challenged me in new and meaningful ways. As much as I’ve grown as an athlete, I’ve also grown as a student. The professors, the coursework, and the opportunities for intellectual growth were all integral parts of my Duke experience.
I will forever be grateful for the ways in which Duke’s academic program helped shape my mindset and taught me how to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. The university’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, not just basketball players, has been something that I value deeply, and I know that it will serve me well in all aspects of my life, both on and off the court.
Looking to the Future
As I prepare to take the next step in my journey by declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, I do so with a sense of gratitude and excitement. This decision marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that is filled with new challenges, new teammates, and new opportunities. But as I take that next step, I do so knowing that my time at Duke has prepared me for whatever comes next.
The lessons I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve built, and the experiences I’ve had during my time at Duke will continue to guide me as I transition into this new phase of my career. The work ethic, discipline, and focus that are required to succeed at the NBA level are things that I learned here at Duke, and I am ready to carry that forward into the next chapter of my basketball journey.
I am also aware that my time at Duke is just one part of a much larger story. The future of Blue Devil basketball is incredibly bright, and I have no doubt that the program will continue to produce exceptional athletes and individuals who will make their mark on the basketball world and beyond. I look forward to watching the team grow and succeed in the years to come, and I know that the legacy of the Blue Devils will only continue to shine.
Final Words
To my family, my teammates, my coaches, and the entire Blue Devils community, thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for supporting me, and for pushing me to become the best version of myself. This journey has been one that I will never forget, and I am proud to have been a part of something as special as Duke University.
Though I may be moving on to the next chapter in my career, I will forever carry the lessons, the memories, and the spirit of Duke with me. I will continue to represent the Blue Devils with pride, and I know that no matter where my career takes me, the Blue Devils family will always be with me.
This is not goodbye—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. Thank you for everything. I’ll always be a Blue Devil at heart.
