Kris Dunn Officially Announces Return to Providence

Well it was a tense few days for Providence fans between the initial report from Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday and an official announcement from Kris Dunn but the good news Friar fans were hoping for has now become a done deal. Dunn will officially return to Friartown for at least one more season. While it is unlikely that Dunn would remain at Providence beyond the 2015-16 season he does technically have eligibility through the 2016-17 season due to his medical redshirt being granted.

“I am excited about next season,” Dunn said.  “I have seen this program accomplish a lot over the last three seasons and I would like to be part of some more success.  I really enjoy being around my teammates, coaches and all the friends and family I have in Friartown.  Lastly, I am looking forward to continuing my growth, improving as a basketball player and earning my diploma.”

“Kris had a very impressive season and I believe he is the top point guard in the country,” Friar Head Coach Ed Cooley said.  “He has grown so much as person and as a basketball player.  We are excited that Kris will be part of our team next year and he will have the opportunity to earn his college degree.  His ability and leadership will be instrumental to our success.”

Dunn is a virtual lock for preseason All-American and preseason Big East Player of the Year honors. He also has a chance to be on the Wooden Watch list all season long. Expect to see a lot of Kris Dunn promo’s on Fox Sports 1 next season. Dunn’s decision is seen as risky by some as he was projected as a sure-fire first rounder in the 2015 NBA Draft with the potential to sneak into the late lottery. Dunn reportedly has taken out insurance through the NCAA to guard against future injury.

What this means for Providence’s 2015-16 is that they now have a chance for a 3rd straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Dunn’s return also means the Friars will not have to scramble as hard this spring and/or summer to bring in another ball handler with immediate eligibility.

Dunn’s return gives Cooley and his staff more flexibility with their 1 open scholarship for the 2015-16 season. The Friars could opt to bring in a player like Nigel Williams-Goss to sit out the 2015-16 season, practice against Dunn everyday and then pair with Kyron Cartwright to take over the backcourt duties from Dunn in 2016-17. Another potential option is trying to bring in a big man in case 2015 commit Alex Owens isn’t ready physically or academically to contribute next season at Providence. This news is a great way to start a weekend that has the team’s end of season banquet scheduled for Saturday night in Providence.

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Mike Hopkins

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