Former Mater Dei star Taylor King leaving Duke

Former Mater Dei star Taylor King is leaving Duke.

His father Steve and Duke’s official athletics Web site confirmed King’s decision to leave the school, where he is a freshman, on Monday night.

King, a 6 foot-6 forward, was a two-time Orange County player of the year at Mater Dei. He led Mater Dei to a state championship in 2006-07, his senior year.

Steve King said his son’s decision was based on playing time this past year, and what his son expected next year.

“It came down to where he fits,” Steve King said. “Duke is top heavy at his position (small forward). He’s a player, and players want to play.”

King played in all 34 of Duke’s games, and averaged six points and two rebounds. He scored 27 against Eastery Kentucky in Novemer.

He requested to be released Monday.
 
Steve King said the schools that were high on Taylor’s list before he signed with Duke likely will be on that list again. Steve said those schools include Gonzaga, UCLA, USC and Villanova.

King had committed to UCLA before his freshman year at Mater Dei, then decided to drop that commitment and go through the recruiting process.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski issued a statement in which he supported King’s decision.

“Taylor is a solid young man and has the ability to be a good player,” Krzyzewski said, according to goduke.com.

Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com