Tyus Jones to enter NBA draft after one championship season

Former Apple Valley high school star Tyus Jones is leaving Duke for the NBA after one college season that ended with a national title.

"Tyus could not have done a better job for us this past year," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said of his freshman point guard on GoDuke.com, which first reported the news.

"We're so very happy for him and his family to have the opportunity to declare for the draft. He is projected to be a first-round pick.

"He's going to get a lot better, but people have already seen him and know how he handles himself, especially in pressure situations and in the biggest games. He comes through like a champion!

"I loved coaching him, and I believe he'll be an outstanding professional. At this time, I think, [it] is so appropriate for him to take advantage of this opportunity."

A five-year starter and state champion at Apple Valley, Jones is seen as a middle to late first-round pick in the June draft by NBA analysts.

A post on his Instagram social media account Wednesday showed a photo of Jones hugging Krzyzewski and closed with this comment: "And lastly, thank you to this man, who gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity, who taught me so much on the court, but more than just basketball, he also taught me how to become a better man, brother, son, teammate and much more. I'll forever be thankful, and will always be a Duke Blue Devil!"

Jones is the third freshman starter on the Blue Devils team that defeated Wisconsin on April 6 in the national championship game to declare for the draft.

Center Jahlil Okafor, who is expected to be one of the first two players drafted, announced his intention last week, and 6-6 forward Justise Winslow declared this week as well.

Jones and Okafor, who is from Illinois, have been friends since they were highly recruited prep stars and were intent on playing college basketball together. Jones, who scored a game-high 23 points in the 68-63 victory over the Badgers, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

Jones, who turns 19 on May 10, spent this past weekend with his family in the Twin Cities as a decision on his future loomed.

Tre Jones, Tyus' younger brother, congratulated him on Twitter: "Turning dreams into reality @Tyusjones06 congrats big bro.. Love you."

Tyus Jones made a visit Monday afternoon to the Twins' home opener to assist Wolves forward Kevin Garnett and Twins outfielder Torii Hunter with the ceremonial first pitch.

Jones said he spent a lot of time talking to Garnett, who declared for the NBA out of high school in 1995 and was the fifth overall pick by the Wolves, about whether he should return for his sophomore season at Duke or turn pro.

"[Garnett] just told me to enjoy it all," Jones said Monday from Target Field. "Enjoy it all, don't rush anything and just make the most of every opportunity that you get."

Jones, listed at 6-1 and 180 pounds, averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 assists this past season.

He was just the second Duke freshman to score 400 points and have 200 assists.

"It's been unbelievable," said Jones, referring to the Final Four. "You couldn't write it up any better than that.

"It's something you'll never forget and it just feels [like] a dream."

Staff writer Master Tesfatsion contributed to this report.