Andre Dawkins to return to Duke basketball for 2013-2014 season

‘Dre all day begins again in October.

Andre Dawkins announced on Twitter that he will return for his senior season after redshirting this season due to personal reasons. He thanked Duke’s fans for their ongoing support and cited his personal growth throughout the season, adding that next season, “you will see a different Andre Dawkins.”

Dawkins also announced he will wear No. 34 instead of No. 20, which he wore for his first three seasons with the Blue Devils. His No. 34 was previously worn by Ryan Kelly, who capped off his collegiate career last month.

As a junior, Dawkins played 22.4 minutes per game, averaging 8.4 points and 2.0 3-pointers per contest. Dawkins was a member of the 2010 national championship team as a freshman, when he notably knocked down two crucial 3-pointers in the Blue Devils’ Elite Eight victory against Baylor.

Dawkins’ addition to the lineup will give Duke a bevy of talent in the backcourt next season, but could also make playing time more difficult to distribute. The Blue Devils will need to split minutes in the backcourt amongst Dawkins, Quinn Cook, Tyler Thornton and incoming freshman Matt Jones, who like Dawkins is known as a sharpshooter. Dawkins’ size also allows him to play on the wing, which could mean more time for his backcourt mates but less for forwards like Alex Murphy.

Dawkins has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining. He will graduate in May and play as a graduate student next year.

Excited to say that I will be a part of the 2013-2014 Duke Men's Basketball Team. Thanks to everyone for the support throughout the year

— Andre Dawkins (@dre_day20) April 11, 2013

I want to get a fresh start and be a different player than I was. In October you will see a different Andre Dawkins

— Andre Dawkins (@dre_day20) April 11, 2013