Shelden Williams will return to Duke for senior year
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Durham, NC (Sports Network) - Center Shelden Williams will return to Duke
University to play his senior year, spurning the opportunity to enter the
upcoming NBA Draft.
A first team All-ACC selection and the 2005 NABC National Defensive Player of the Year, Williams averaged 15.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.7 blocked shots per game this season for Duke, which finished 27-6 and won the ACC Tournament. "From the time I arrived in Durham it has been my goal to earn my degree," Williams said. "For that reason along with others, I am going to pass on the opportunity to enter the NBA Draft." Last season, Williams recorded a school-record 122 blocked shots, surpassing his total of 111 from 2003-04. He ranks second on Duke's career charts with 285 rejections and eighth all-time in the ACC with 2.77 blocks per game. He also closed the year with a team-high 242 defensive rebounds and finished third on the team with 42 steals. "I am looking forward to finishing off my academic career with a degree," Williams said, "and also returning to the playing court to help Duke compete for the National Championship next season." Duke should be one of the top-ranked teams in the nation entering next season with Williams joining ACC-Player-of-the-Year J.J. Redick and senior guard Sean Dockery on head coach Mike Krzyzewski's squad. DUKE WILLIAMS |