Report: Frank Jackson returning for sophomore season at Duke

Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives to the basket against South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Frank Jackson is reportedly returning for his sophomore season with the Duke Blue Devils.

According to a report from Gary Parrish and CBS Sports, the Duke Blue Devils can bank on another player returning next season. Mere hours after it was announced that Grayson Allen would be returning for his senior season, now it looks as if Frank Jackson will be returning for his sophomore campaign.

Jackson’s return coupled with the Allen news means Coach Krzyzewski wouldn’t have to rely on young guards adjusting to ACC basketball early next season.

Jackson was largely overshadowed last season by the emergence of Luke Kennard and the dominance of freshman Jayson Tatum. However, Jackson continually improved as the season went on and was rewarded with a starting spot late in the season.

Duke, in recent years, has been a mere stop on multiple top prospects’ road to the NBA Draft. The return of Jackson, Allen, and center Marques Bolden finally allows some continuity for Krzyzewski and the Blue Devils.

After winning the ACC Championship, the Blue Devils fizzled out in the NCAA Tournament with a second-round loss to the Gamecocks of South Carolina. In those postseason contests, Jackson averaged 13.5 points per game and shot an encouraging 45 percent from 3. Jackson’s ability to drive to the hole and draw defenders to the paint really opened up Duke’s blitzkrieg offense. There is no doubt that his numbers will only improve as he would be sure to carve out a bigger role in the Blue Devil game plan this upcoming year.

Jackson would join Allen and highly touted incoming freshman Gary Trent Jr. in what is expected to be a powerful backcourt after the recruiting season is finished.

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The Blue Devils have the No. 4 recruiting class in the country, according to ESPN. A class that already includes top shooting guard Gary Trent Jr., huge power forward Wendell Carter, and forward Alex McConnell. Duke is in the mix for blue-chip prospects Trevon Duval (point guard) and Kevin Knox (small forward).

All signs point to Duke being as talented as ever going into the 2017 season. Jackson’s return would bring a different dynamic along with an injection of athleticism to a Duke backcourt that has lacked those traits in recent years.

Jackson finished the year averaging 10.9 PPG and 2.5 APG.