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Gonzaga’s Karnowski returning for fifth year

UConn Gonzaga Basketball

Connecticut forward Daniel Hamilton (5) squeezes between Gonzaga guard Kyle Dranginis (3) and Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

AP

The man in the middle is returning to Gonzaga.

Przemek Karnowski will return to the Bulldogs for his final year after a medical redshirt waiver was granted allowing him a fifth season in Spokane, the school announced Tuesday.

“I’m excited to be coming back,” Karnowski said in a statement. “After talking with the coaches, my parents and the team, I decided this was the best decision for me. I still have a ways to go with my rehab, but I’m staying positive about the upcoming season.”

The 7-foot-1 Karnowski, a Poland native, would have, at minimum, had professional opportunities overseas, but instead will return to play for the Bulldogs once more after a back injury limited him to five games last season. He averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a junior in 2014-15.

With Karnowski returning along with Josh Perkins and Silas Melson, Gonzaga coach Mark Few will be having newcomers Nigel Williams-Goss, Zach Norvell, Johnathan Williams II and Zach Collins joining an experienced and talented group.

Gonzaga (shocker) will be the West Coast Conference favorite once more, but the Bulldogs will also be fielding a team that should open the season in most everyone’s top-15.