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Freshman Marques Bolden announces plans to return to Duke

By Charles Goldman

Feb 28, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots against Duke Blue Devils center Marques Bolden (20) in the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots against Duke Blue Devils center Marques Bolden (20) in the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Amid transfer rumors Duke freshman Marques Bolden announces intentions to stay with Blue Devils

Duke Men’s Basketball fans rejoice as they’ve learned that freshman center Marques Bolden intends to stay with the team. This comes after rumors broke that he intended to transfer. In his public statement Marques announced:

"“Despite rumors about my future that have circulated in recent days, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be returning to Duke for my sophomore year,” He continued. “I have unbelievable support from my family, teammates and coaches. I’m ready to get to work for next season and I’m excited for what should be a great year for our program.”"

Just yesterday news that broke that Bolden’s teammate Duke resident tripper and senior Grayson Allen would be returning to the Duke Blue Devils for his final season. This should serve as a boost for the Duke fans who saw their team exit this year’s NCAA Tournament in the second round.

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski is among those excited to have Bolden back for his sophomore season:

"“We’re thrilled that Marques will continue to be part of our program,” Krzyzewski said. “In addition to being a talented basketball player, he’s an outstanding young man from a great family. It’s unfortunate that his freshman season was impacted by injury, but he has an opportunity to have a great summer and a special sophomore season.”"

Bolden’s first year was considered inconsistent at best. Even though Bolden played in 24 games he struggled to get anything positive going, averaging only 1.5 points per game and 1.1 rebounds per game. A lower-leg injury did impede Bolden early in the season and may have been the cause for his slow-start in the Duke rotation.

Next: Grayson Allen returns to Duke for senior season

Ultimately another year in the Duke system could be huge for both Duke and Bolden. Bolden now has another chance to meet the big expectations that he had coming out of high school, where he averaged nearly 24 points per game.