Duke's Maggette Enters Draft

May 7, 1999 / 8:39 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Corey Maggette has decided against Michael Jordan's advice and will become the third Duke player to leave school early this year.

Maggette told the Chicago Tribune on Saturday he would follow his heart and declare himself eligible for the June 30 NBA draft after his freshman season.

"Playing in the NBA is what I've always wanted to do," Maggette said in a story published in the Tribune's Sunday editions. "It's a dream come true. In a way, it's hard to believe. "

"There are so many guys trying to make the pros, and I'm part of that 1 percent that has a chance to make it."

Duke sports information director Mike Cragg said neither the athletic department nor the basketball program had any information about any decision involving Maggette.

Maggette follows fellow Blue Devils Elton Brand and William Avery as the third underclassman to announce he will leave Duke this year.

Corey Maggette has set his sights for the NBA. <b>

Corey Maggette has set his sights for the NBA. (AP)

Maggette, who called Jordan for his opinion, said he made up his mind Friday night, going against the three most influential people in his life -- his parents and his grandfather.

At 6-foot-6, the athletic Maggette averaged 10.7 points and four rebounds in less than 18 minutes a game, with a season-high of 24 points against North Carolina State. At 19, he will be among the NBA's youngest players next season.

NBA scouts have said they are impressed with Maggette's raw power and potential for success. Despite his limited collegiate experience, he is being projected as a top 10 draft pick and could be one of the first three players chosen.