Mason Plumlee - NBA

[Tizu]

Duke forward Mason Plumlee has decided to test the NBA waters.

"We are exploring his options, nothing more than that at this time," Mason's father Perky Plumlee told WRAL Thursday.

The 6-foot-10, 235-pound junior averaged 11 points, and nine rebounds per game for the Blue Devils over the 2011-12 season.

"Mason is doing a lot of soul searching because this is a significant decision to leave early or not," said Perky. "He doesn't take this lightly. He's a bit torn."

Plumlee has until April 29, to enter the NBA drafts early entry, but the NCAA requires players who haven’t hired an agent to declare by April 10, that they are not entering the draft.

Until then, Plumlee is taking advantage of the NBA's free service to underclassmen where they can get feedback on their draft stock from 20 NBA office personnel. A confidential report is compiled and presented to the player and his family.

"You owe it to yourself to get quality information," said Perky. "The Duke staff has been very supportive to help Mason and he is in very good standing with the program."

After this semester, Mason is two classes shy of graduating, which is very important to the Plumlee family.

Plumlee played in all of Duke's 31 games this past season and ranks third in the ACC in rebounds per game.

[kdub]

What do you think is the end result? Does he actually enter the draft or come back for his senior season in Durham?

[Tizu]

It's a tough call. I personally don't believe his draft stock will go any higher if he stays another year. I'd like to see him stay for his senior season, but I think he'll probably duck out for the NBA...I guess it all depends on what they feel his potential is and if it would behoove him to stay or not.

[Tizu]

He had a good year this year, he can only go up from where he is now. Will that make a difference on whether or not his draft stock goes up? Unlikely.

[kdub]

That's what I figured, but man that will seriously deplete what little interior Duke already had.

[Tizu]

I know. I hope Coach K can land Tony Parker. That would definitely help. Jefferson has narrowed his schools down to NCSU and Duke. If Leslie goes pro, he'll go to NCSU most likely.

[Harnett Co. HEEL]

I think Plumlee will stay at Dook. I don't think he's quite NBA ready, and I believe through this process that the NBA personnel will help him see that. As a HEEL fan though, I wouldn't be sad at all to see him go

[Ken D]

Whatever he did this year, it was done without the kind of point guard Duke has enjoyed in past years. Does that get any better next year? I don't see him as a pro superstar, but a lot of teams can use a 10-10-10 guy (ten points, ten rebounds for ten years) who's not going to hurt you in the locker room or practice floor. I don't see how coming back to Duke helps him at all. Why not go?

[kdub]

I have to agree with Ken. If Mason is a mid-20s draft pick this year he is probably the same next. I don't see a significant draft stock improvement for coming back unless he somehow develops a solid 15-18 foot jumper and starts making 80% of his free throws both of which seem unlikely in one season. However, if Mason loves Duke and the college life, then nothing wrong with coming back as Andrew Luck can attest.

[mattncsu02]

I hope he stays and takes those last two classes for his degree. A diploma from Duke cannot be taken away by injuries, but a career in the NBA can.