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Making Sense of Marques Bolden Transfer Rumors

By Chris Brown

Dec 3, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Marques Bolden (20) drives against Maine Black Bears forward Vincent Eze (50) in the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Marques Bolden (20) drives against Maine Black Bears forward Vincent Eze (50) in the first half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sources reported that freshman center Marques Bolden was planning to transfer from Duke, however now he is expected to return to the Blue Devils next season.

Duke Basketball has had a very eventful offseason, with two seniors graduating, two players transferring from the program, and two players declaring for the NBA Draft with several more decisions to be made. Recently, Blue Devil fans got another huge scare with reports that Marques Bolden was also transferring.

Marques Bolden committed to Duke as the top center in his recruiting class. Unfortunately, a preseason injury limited the 6-11 center this season and he was never able to make a major impact this year. Bolden only appeared in 24 games averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds in 6.5 minutes.

Duke Blue Devils Basketball
Duke Blue Devils Basketball /

Duke Blue Devils Basketball

Early on, there was a possibility that Bolden would leave and head to the NBA. He still has a very high ceiling as a player when healthy and was considered a first round pick. He could have decided to follow Harry Giles, who also failed to live up to expectations due to injuries.

Then, multiple sources began reporting that Bolden was transferring from Duke next season. He was expected to move to a school back home closer to Dallas and was considering TCU, SMU or Texas. The team will already lose Amile Jefferson, Harry Giles, Sean Obi, and Harry Giles. Losing Bolden too would have been devastating. After the story spread and media flurry, reports began to change that Bolden was undecided. He was considering transferring but did not make a decision to stay or leave. However, the final word is that Marques Bolden will not declare for the NBA or transfer, but will return to Duke for his sophomore season.

Related Story: Freshman Declares for 2017 NBA Draft

Thankfully in the case, the initial reports were wrong. In fact, the transfer rumors got so bad that Duke had to make an official statement with Coach K and Bolden himself announcing he’s returning. Perhaps Bolden was thinking about transferring  to move back to Texas or was upset with his role and playing time. But he will play a huge role for the Blue Devils next season as the primary returning post option.

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