Duke nabs top national prospect Austin Rivers, son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers

Duke nabs top national prospect Austin Rivers

WINTER PARK, Fla. — The son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and one of the nation’s most highly recruited players says he is heading to Duke.

Austin Rivers posted on his Twitter site Thursday: “World i have decided to go to duke! Let’s go blue devils ha’.” Rivers, who later made the announcement on ESPN, chose Duke over Kansas and North Carolina.

The 6-foot-4 guard of Winter Park, Fla., is considered a terrific athlete and prolific scorer. He verbally committed to Florida in 2008 but reopened his search after the Gators struggled to sustain the success that won them back-to-back national titles.

Rivers led Winter Park High School to the Class 6A championship last season. He also played for the world champion USA Basketball 18-under team.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers says his highly recruited son has not committed to a college but that a decision could be coming in the next few days.

ESPN.com reported Thursday that Austin Rivers, the No. 1-ranked recruit in the class of 2011, chose Duke over Kansas and North Carolina. The 6-foot-4 guard is considered a terrific athlete and prolific scorer with a natural ability to attack the basket.

Doc Rivers told The Associated Press at Celtics training camp Thursday in Rhode Island that his son is “leaning there, but most likely he’ll commit in the next couple days.”

Asked again whether Austin Rivers, who plays in Winter Park, Fla., had made a decision, his father responded: “I said he hasn’t committed yet. I’ll let Austin handle that.”