Jahlil Okafor on NBA: 'I totally feel comfortable with staying here in college'

Duke freshman center Jahlil Okafor has played beyond expectations in his brief time with the Blue Devils, moving to the top of every draft board in the country and all but running away with the national player of the year award.

For his part, Okafor has loved his time in Durham just as much as they've loved having him.

"The whole community really feels like one big family," Okafor said, according to Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times. "Everybody has each other's back, especially here on campus - the (coaching) staff, professors, academic advisors, trainers, the people in the cafeteria. I feel all types of love from all different types of people. I love it here. I feel at home here."

A lock to be the No. 1 selection in June's NBA draft, the lure of fame and fortune may encourage Okafor to leave Duke early, but that certainly won't be an easy decision.

"It's such a great environment for him,” Okafor's father, Chucky Okafor, said. "He enjoys being a student and enjoys the process of working toward his degree. He enjoys the university, the environment, the closeness to his brothers he plays with, his peers, classmates.

"I want him to stay on the path that he's on, get his college degree, pursue all his goals."

Okafor could elect to stay at school a while longer like other legendary big men Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan, or he could make an early jump to the pro ranks. Either way, he knows both options are available to him.

"I know I'll be in position to live my dream in the NBA or live my dream and stay here at Duke with people who truly love me," Okafor said. "I totally feel comfortable with staying here in college, and my family wouldn't care one bit as long as I'm happy. They know how much I love being here.

"I love everything about Duke. I wish I could just stop time and be able to enjoy this as much as I can."