Parker declares for NBA draft

Jabari Parker is hoping to become Duke's latest one-and-done star to become the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-8 all-American forward said Thursday he will enter the NBA draft after being the highest-scoring freshman in Duke history. He was also the first freshman to lead the Blue Devils in scoring and rebounding and the first freshman in three decades to be selected team MVP.

Now, he has the chance to do what Kyrie Irving did in 2011: follow a one-year stay at Duke by being the first name called in the June draft.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement it was "an honor for us to have him in our program."

In an essay posted on Sports Illustrated's website, Parker said the NBA offers him the best chance to develop as a player and off the court.

"I realize how much of a privilege and an honor it is to join the ranks of the NBA," Parker wrote. "I will do everything in my power to help deliver championships to the franchise that drafts me. At the same time, I recognize the obligation to represent the league in an admirable way off the court."

Parker led the Atlantic Coast Conference with an average of 8.7 rebounds while his 19.1 points were second only to North Carolina State's T.J. Warren, who entered the NBA draft last week.

Parker is listed as the No. 2 draft prospect on Chad Ford's Top 100 on ESPN.com, the No. 2 pick on NBAdraft.net, and No. 3 on DraftExpress.com.