Duke Blue Devils' Grayson Allen to return for junior season

Duke guardGrayson Allen will return for his junior season, making the Blue Devils the clear-cut preseason favorites for next season.

"I talked with my parents and prayed about this decision, and I had the feeling that it was right," Allen said in a statement released by the school Wednesday. "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 decided not to take advantage of the new rule that allows players to declare for the NBA draft and attend the NBA combine but return to school as long as they don't sign with an agent.

Allen averaged 21.6 points per game last season and scored in double figures 34 times in 36 games. He also shot 42 percent from beyond the arc.

Duke will bring back a core of Allen, Amile Jefferson, Matt Jones and Luke Kennard-- and will also add the second-ranked freshman class in the country.

The Blue Devils lost Brandon Ingram early to the NBA and will also lose veteran big man Marshall Plumlee. But they will bring in the top-rated freshman in big man Harry Giles, who is recovering from a knee injury, and a skilled forward in Jayson Tatum. Duke will also add scoring point guard Frank Jackson, who will be an upgrade at the position.