Duke sophomore Matthew Hurt will declare for the 2021 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college admission by hiring an agent, he told ESPN Wednesday.
Hurt, the No. 48 prospect in the ESPN 100, was named first-team All-ACC and the winner of the ACC’s most improved player award after averaging 18.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while 44.4% was shot from a 3-point range.
The 6-foot 20-year-old Hurt is considered one of the most skilled offensive players in the NBA draft, with the second-best 3-point percentage of all players currently expected to be called up, after Baylor’s Davion Mitchell.
With the premium NBA teams firing outside in the 3 pointer happy era, a player like Hurt will appeal with his ability to stretch defense with his elite combination of size and shooting feel.
More than just a catch and shoot specialist, Hurt also scored favorably in several categories for his ability to score within the arc, converting 48% of his off the dribble jump shots, according to Synergy Sports Technology, as well as 71% of his post-up attempts and 69% of his transition opportunities.
Hurt will only be the second player in the past 30 years of college basketball to be drafted after shooting more than 63% inside the arch and 44% outside, along with Creighton’s Doug McDermott.
A decorated high school candidate, Hurt won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship in 2018. He became Minnesota Mr. Basketball and earned invitations to the McDonald’s All American Game and Nike Hoop Summit in 2019.
Duke had dashed hopes for the post-season when one of his players tested positive for COVID-19 hours ahead of the ACC’s quarter-finals, forcing the team to withdraw from the event and effectively ending the season .
The NBA draft will be implemented on July 29. A draft combination scheduled for June 21 will feature competitive 5-on-5 action, depending on public health.