The most hated player in college basketball will return to defend his title for at least one more season.
Duke guard Grayson Allen announced he would return for his junior season Wednesday. Allen is projected as a borderline first-round pick, so it comes as somewhat of a surprise he would not take advantage of the new NCAA rules allowing players to participate in the draft process while retaining their eligibility.
However, Duke fans will certainly rejoice at his news. Allen had a terrific season for the Blue Devils as a sophomore. He led the team in scoring with 21.6 points per game and also added 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest.
The improvement from his freshman season earned Allen Co-Most Improved Player honors in the ACC and a spot on the All-ACC First-Team. Allen said the decision to return came down to a desire to pursue his degree and remain close with his friends and teammates.
“I talked with my parents and prayed about this decision, and I had the feeling that it was right,” Allen said. “I love Duke and I’ve made relationships with my teammates that will last forever. Coming back next season to play with them is important to me. Earning a Duke degree has always been a dream of mine, so I’ll also be working to get closer to that goal.”
Duke already opened on Sunday as the Vegas’ prohibitive favorites to win the 2017 title, and this news surely make those 9/2 odds shrink further. The Blue Devils will lose freshman Brandon Ingram, the potential No.1 NBA draft pick, but have the No. 2 recruiting class coming in according to 247sports.
Things are looking promising yet again for Mike Krzyzewski, but do not crown Duke yet. There is still plenty of time for the Blue Devils to trip up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHIqfGZhNRM
[ESPN]
