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Grayson Allen is returning to Duke for his junior season

Grayson Allen

Teammates congratulate Duke’s Grayson Allen (3) during the first half of a second round game against Yale in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament in Providence, R.I., Saturday, March 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

AP

Duke should be the consensus preseason No. 1 team in college basketball next season, as the Blue Devils announced on Wednesday that all-american Grayson Allen will be returning for his junior season with the program.

“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.”

Allen averaged 21.6 points, 4.5 boards and 3.5 assists for the Blue Devils this past season, playing on a team that didn’t have much depth or balance on the roster. He’ll return to a roster that adds five-star recruits Harry Giles, Frank Jackson and Jayson Tatum in addition to potentially returning senior forward Amile Jefferson.

The Blue Devils will be absolutely loaded.

“We are thrilled that Grayson will be back with us next season,” said Krzyzewski. “Following the season, he put a lot of thought into an important decision that will impact the rest of his life. In the end, he chose to remain at Duke, where he will pursue an undergraduate degree and develop even more as a man and basketball player. Grayson’s passion and commitment to our school and his teammates have been very apparent in our discussions with him.

“On the court, Grayson is a warrior, as I’ve said many times,” Krzyzewski continued. “He has untapped potential, both on and off the basketball court. I have loved coaching Grayson and I’m going to love coaching him next season.”