Duke's Avery, Brand leave school for NBA

A source close to Brand, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed yesterday that the 6-foot-8, 270-pound sophomore center would become the first Duke player to leave school early for a chance to play in the NBA.

The school had said earlier yesterday that Brand and associate head basketball coach Johnny Dawkins would hold a news conference tomorrow at the school to announce the decision.

Brand, who averaged 17.8 points and 9.8 rebounds last season, was the first sophomore to win the John R. Wooden Award, presented by the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and he was also honored this season by The AP, the Atlanta Tipoff Club and the United States Baskel Writers Association as national player of the year.

The student newspaper at Duke, The Chronicle, also reported yesterday that sophomore point guard William Avery had decided to forgo the rest of his eligibility and apply for the draft.

AP PHOTO AP Player of the Year Sophomore Elton Brand will reportedly announce that he will enter the NBA draft and skip his final two years of eligibility at Duke.

"Nobody has told me it is true," sports information director Mike Cragg said.

The Chronicle, citing unnamed sources close to the basketball team, said Avery had decided to leave school.

Attempts yesterday to reach Brand, Avery and Dawkins were unsuccessful.

Another source said freshman Corey Maggette remains undecided about his future, The Chronicle said.

Avery has met with coach Mike Krzyzewski, who is recovering from hip replacement surgery, The Chronicle reported. The newspaper said Krzyzewski is unaware of Avery's final decision.

The potential loss of Brand and Avery, coupled with the graduation of seniors Trajan Langdon and Taymon Domzalski, would cost Duke much of the core of the 37-2 team that reached the NCAA championship, where the Blue Devils lost to Connecticut.

However, the program has received national letters of intent from four high school seniors who were selected to McDonald's All-America team.

Players who have announced their intention to leave school early include junior guard Steve Francis of Maryland and junior forward Albert White of Missouri.

Underclassmen have until May 15 to announce their intentions.

04-13-99