Austin Rivers is following Mason Plumlee out the door early to the NBA. Jeff Goodman reports that Rivers is signing with an agent and will enter the draft. This one’s no surprise, even though fans and pundits have been saying all season he “needs” to stay another year.

Yeah, right. Once I saw this crossover against Ohio State, I knew Rivers was gone. The only person who could stop Rivers this season? His Coach and that Duke system. Put Rivers in an aggressive offense and give him free reign and he’s a 20-25 point scorer in college.

I think he’ll make a dynamic pro. I’ve seen some folks compare Rivers to Jerryd Bayless, but I see him as a slightly less explosive Russell Westbrook (but a better shooter). I don’t think we’ve seen anything close to the best Rivers has to offer.

I had Rivers No. 2 overall in my last mock draft, which probably was a bit high, but there’s no way he’s falling out of the Top 10. Among guards, I’ve got Rivers ahead of Jeremy Lamb, but behind Brad Beal.

Remember how Kyrie Irving was a nice player as a freshman at Duke, but because of the system, it was tough to tell just how outstanding he was? Irving has been awesome with the Cavs, and looks like a future star. I don’t think it’ll take Rivers – who turns 20 in August – long to put up impressive numbers in the NBA.

Chad Ford seems to disagree. He’s got Rivers 21st in his mock draft. That’s absurd. There’s zero chance Rivers falls that far. (Ford does like my Lillard-to-the-Jazz prediction, it seems.)

As for Duke … better get recruiting, Coach K.

Previously: Mason Plumlee is Leaving Duke Early, and if Austin Rivers Leaves Early Too, How Badly Will Duke Struggle in 2013?
Previously: 2012 NBA Mock Draft: A Pre-NCAA Tournament Version