I agree. In my opinion Deng was and is still a fantastic representation of what is right about Duke. He left because of financial/family pressure. The anticipation was that he'd be a 3-year guy (getting his degree in 3 years like Jay Williams). Family circumstances and a soaring draft stock changed all of that. I would never begrudge him the choice he made. He'll always be a favorite of mine (it certainly doesn't hurt that he went to my Bulls!). I just regret for him and for Duke that we didn't get to see him longer in a Duke uniform.
I don't know all of the specifics behind Maggette's decision, but he was a lottery pick and clearly was NBA ready (not star ready, but definitely NBA ready). It's hard to turn down that kind of money. Irving was clearly NBA ready and had the frightening injury to push his decision.
Rivers is the only one for whom I think it's a questionable decision. He doesn't need the money, he isn't a lock for the lottery, and could clearly stand to gain by coming back and improving. But it is his decision to make. He clearly played hard at Duke and wanted to win very badly. I'm not upset at all with his decision.