from Andy Katz at espn.com
Duke didn’t waste any time sulking over its Sweet 16 loss to Villanova Thursday night in Boston. Instead, the Blue Devils picked up the most coveted transfer available when the nation’s top scoring freshman, Seth Curry of Liberty, decided to transfer to Duke for next season.
Curry’s father, Dell, told ESPN.com Sunday night after a visit to Durham earlier in the day that Seth was offered a scholarship by the Blue Devils and accepted. Curry, who averaged 20.2 points a game for the Flames this past season, will sit out the 2009-10 season and be eligible for 2010-11 as a third-year sophomore. A source close to the Blue Devils confirmed the transfer offer was made and accepted.
Dell Curry, a former star guard with the Charlotte Hornets said once Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski made clear the Blue Devils wanted him, it wasn’t a hard decision for Seth. Dell Curry said Krzyzewski stressed that the Blue Devils will need scoring guards in two seasons after the departure of juniors Jon Scheyer and Gerald Henderson. The Blue Devils have two younger point guards in sophomore Nolan Smith and freshman Elliot Williams, who would be a senior and junior, respectively when Seth Curry would be eligible.
“Coach K kept telling him the timing couldn’t be better,” Dell Curry told The Associated Press. “There’ll be plenty of opportunities to contribute.”
Seth Curry said the opportunity to continue his career at Duke, and get a Duke education were other major factors in the decision. Dell Curry said the family was wowed by the new Duke practice facility, which Dell said is on par with NBA facilities.
Seth Curry’s plan once he left Liberty was to transfer to an ACC school in his home state of North Carolina. He accomplished that goal within the first week. Dell Curry said that Liberty coach Ritchie McKay “was great through the process and really helped us. He was tremendous. He showed no bitterness.”
The 6-3 Curry led the Flames to a 23-12 record this season and an appearance in the inaugural CollegeInsider.com tournament.