DURHAM, N.C., May 10 (UPI) -- Published and broadcast reports Friday indicated that versatile 6-9 swingman Mike Dunleavy of Duke has decided to forego his final year of college eligibility and will enter the NBA Draft in June.
Sources close to the Duke program have told the Durham (N.C.) Herald-Sun and the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer that the Lake Oswego, Ore., native would put his name on the NBA's list of underclassmen but would not hire an agent, giving him the option to take his name off the list about a week before the draft.
ESPN.com reported Dunleavy, who is fairly thin, would hold a news conference Saturday to make an official announcement.
His listed playing weight last season was 220 pounds.
Underclassmen wanting to declare have until Sunday to do so. If he declares, Dunleavy would the third Duke player to make the decision since the 2001-02 season ended, joining point guard Jason Williams and center Carlos Boozer, who is projected as a power forward in the pros.
Dunleavy, who father, Mike, Sr., is a former NBA coach and currently works as an analyst for NBC, averaged 17.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest for the Blue Devils this past season.
A number of basketball people have wondered if he has the physical bulk needed to take the daily pounding he's likely to absorb in the pro game. There have also been questions about his ability to play defense.
If he decides to return for his senior campaign, the First-Team All-ACC choice would likely be the top candidate for national Player of the Year honors.