DURHAM, N.C. – Rising sophomore center Marques Bolden will return to Duke University for his sophomore season in 2017-18, he and Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski announced Monday night.

“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,” Bolden said. “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.”

The DeSoto, Texas, native played in 24 games as a freshman, averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds. He missed the first eight games of the season with a lower leg injury and was sidelined due to illness during the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

“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.”

Duke finished the season with a 28-9 record, making its 22nd consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The Blue Devils made history at the ACC Tournament in Brooklyn, becoming the first team ever to win four games in as many days to capture the crown. Duke has won a record 20 ACC Tournament titles, including 14 under Coach K – the most in league history by a coach.