Home / Sports / Former Duke Player Ryan Kelly Ends Basketball Journey in Japan
Former Duke Player Ryan Kelly Ends Basketball Journey in Japan
15 Apr
Summary
- Ryan Kelly, a former Duke player, is retiring from basketball.
- He announced his retirement to teammates this week.
- Kelly has played in Japan for six years prior to this season.
Ryan Kelly, a former four-year Duke basketball player and national champion teammate of current head coach Jon Scheyer, is ending his professional playing career. The 35-year-old announced his pre-planned retirement to his teammates with the Fukui Blowinds in the Japan Professional Basketball League this week.
Kelly, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2013, spent three seasons in the NBA. Following his time in the league, he embarked on an international career, playing in Spain before heading to Japan, where he has played for six years with the Sun Rockers Shibuya and most recently the Fukui Blowinds.
During his senior season at Duke in 2012-13, Kelly averaged 12.9 points and 5.3 rebounds, helping the Blue Devils to a 30-6 record and an Elite Eight appearance. He is also remembered for a career-high 36-point performance against Miami. This current season, he is averaging 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Blowinds.
