Duke guard Trevor Keels announces NBA Draft decision

NS_headshot_clearbackgroundby:Nick Schultz04/23/22

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One of the big remaining questions for Jon Scheyer and Duke was what Trevor Keels will do about the NBA Draft. He answered that on Saturday.

Keels is declaring for the draft, he announced via Instagram. He played a major role for the Blue Devils in 2021-22 as they made a run to the Final Four in Mike Krzyzewski’s last season at the helm.

“This past season was a dream come true,” Keels wrote. “I loved competing on some of the game’s biggest stages with teammates who became brothers for life. I am grateful to our coaches for their support and encouragement all season long. I am also thankful for Duke Nation. You all supported us from Day One and we felt the love literally all over the country. Special shoutout to the [Cameron] Crazies for always having our back on campus. Lastly, I have to thank Coach K for believing in me as a high school kid and allowing me to play a key role on his final team. The whole season was a movie and I am grateful to have been part of Coach K’s last ride.

“Since the season ended, I’ve done a lot of thinking about my future. I am appreciative of the support from my parents, family and also Coach Scheyer, Coach Amile and Coach C-Well. We’ve had some great conversations and I have been able to get some helpful feedback. Playing at Duke was a dream and I feel that now is the time to chase another dream. I am excited to enter my name in the 2022 NBA Draft. I found a second home at Duke and I’ll be riding with The Brotherhood for life.”

After Keels made the announcement, Krzyzewski released a statement congratulating the standout freshman on taking the next step in his career.

“We wish Trevor nothing but the very best as he enters the NBA Draft process,” Krzyzewski said. “Trevor made tremendous improvement throughout the year and stepped up for us in critical moments. His play late in the season was so important for us in winning the West Regional and reaching the Final Four. It’s been a joy having Trevor and his family in our program and we’ll continue to be here for him as he explores this next step of his career.”

Keels averaged 11.5 points per game and shot 41.9% from the floor as a freshman. He arrived in Durham as a four-star recruit and the No. 22 recruit in the nation from the Class of 2021, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Now, he’s taking his talents to the next level.

Keels joins Paolo Banchero, Mark Williams and Wendell Moore as Duke players to announce their draft decisions.