On April 4th of this year, Brandon Ingram declared for the NBA Draft, one step closer to fulfilling a life long dream.   After one season at Duke University where he was mentored by Mike Krzyzewski, the lithe Kinstonian is projected to be a sure fire top two pick in he upcoming lottery.

During his one season at Duke Ingram often facilitated the offense on isolation plays designed by the staff.  He put up numbers of 17 points and 7 rebounds per contest but he also developed into a disruptive force on the defensive end with his crazy length.

While in high school in Kinston, North Carolina, the word you most often heard was potential.  This was due to a very slender frame and the truth is he could sometimes be bumped off plays.  Ingram would adjust at the college level, realizing how to use his frame to his advantage and get to the free throw stripe. While in Durham. Ingram would adjust to the many mental aspects that come with moving forward.

The term up side still applies to this incredibly gifted pro to be in that he is just scratching the surface of his potential.  In fact, it is scary to think of just how good young Brandon can be in a few years time.

Brandon will benefit from his decision to attend Duke and his solid family structure.   His parents Donald and Joanne played a role in their sons cool maturity.  Ingram always seems grounded and never arrogant or at least he did with the many interactions I had while covering his career. Perhaps an introvert is  good word to use when describing Ingram, but what may not be seen up front is his drive and determination.

During this past season, Ingram out in the extra work. He could be seen pre game working with Duke Assistant Coaches like Nate James on the court two hours before tip-off while others were in the locker room.  In short, Duke pushed Ingram, but he also pushes himself and that is something that comes from within.

Ingram is just one player in a long line of stellar young men, Mike Krzyzewski has worked with.  Like most of them, he possess outstanding character and in his case, a quiet yet intense focus.  These attributes will help him as he interviews with teams at the upcoming NBA Combine.

Unlike Ben Simmons, the much hyped player from LSU considered to be one of two players to be picked first, Ingram will face the battery of questions and scrutiny.  The advantage of being at the event which starts today, is that he is showing there is nothing to hide.

His measurements alone will likely spur some chatter in that he last time out showed a 7-3 inch wingspan and a 9-1 standing reach.  With his ability to handle the ball and create has teams drooling.  Ingram is a match up nightmare at the next level where some compare him to USA Basketball and Thunder star, Kevin Durrant.

“Stay hungry and stay humble,”quote from his Instagram account.  That statement impressed Mike Krzyzewski so much so, that it was a part of his recruiting pitch during the in home visit. Many times young prospect will say words in social media forums which turn out to be hollow, but not Ingram.

''On one hand, one year at Duke isn’t a very long time. I know that. But I’ve done a lot of growing, and growing up, in that time,'' proclaimed Ingram in a heart-felt letter to Duke and their fan base. Ingram had known for a long time that he would be a part of the Duke Family and the fan base can expect to see him around.  This letter also cemented the fact that he was never a North Carolina lean as mythology would have you believe.

In looking back on his short time in basketball, it is clear that Ingram made the right choice for himself.  He is in position to be set for life where Duke and his family have helped in what is just the beginning of his career.

Instead of being called too skinny for most of his life, people are now starting to see a young player who can do some rare things on the court.  He once received a Nolan Smith jersey from his older brother who mentored him through pick up games in the eastern part of the state.  Ingram had to grow into the jersey and now he is growing out of it, thus his name will be called on June 23rd of this year in Barclay's Arena in New Jersey.

It's hard to fathom that Ingram is just 18 years old having been born on September the 2nd in 1997.  So, let's see here.  A low maintenance player with tremendous upside who happens to be the youngest collegiate player in the NBA Draft.  Yeah, I heard you say wow.  And the scouts are doing the same.