Duke's Kyrie Irving declares for NBA draft

DURHAM, N.C., April 6 (UPI) -- Duke freshman point guard Kyrie Irving, injured for much of the last season, said Wednesday he's planning to enter the NBA draft.

Irving, who played in only 11 games in the 2010-11 season after sustaining a toe injury, said he will hire an agent.

The freshman played in eight games before the injury and then returned just in time for the NCAA Tournament, during which he averaged 17.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists to help the Blue Devils reach the Sweet 16.

"This was a special year for me," Irving said in a statement. "I love everything about Duke and I'm going to miss it. Duke has a special place in my heart.

"Even though I'm leaving this year, Duke will always be in my mind and my heart. I'm going to miss putting on that No. 1 jersey."

Irving pumped in 31 points against Michigan State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge in December.

"Our whole program is overjoyed with having Kyrie here for one year and that he has the chance now to pursue a dream of being a high draft pick and a great player in the NBA," Duke head Coach Mike Krzyzewski said.