Duke’s Hood declares for draft

Duke sophomore shooting guard Rodney Hood declared for the NBA draft on Friday.

Hood, who played one season at Duke after transferring from Mississippi State, is a likely first-round draft pick and could even go in the lottery, several NBA executives told ESPN.

The 6-foot-8 guard averaged 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last season.

Hood made the SEC all-freshman team in 2011-12. He sat out the 2012-13 season after transferring to Duke.

“Rodney had two terrific years here at Duke,” coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement. “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.”

News that Hood declared for the draft came one day after star small forward Jabari Parker made it official that he is entering the June 26 draft. Parker is highly-regarded as a top-three overall pick.