Karnowski coming back for senior year
One big man coming back, one big man still undecided.
Przemek Karnowski announced Friday he is returning to Gonzaga for his senior season. The 7-foot-1 center from Torun, Poland, weighed his options before deciding to finish out his collegiate eligibility. Karnowski and Domantas Sabonis give Gonzaga two-thirds of the frontcourt that helped the Zags piled up 35 wins last season.
Karnowski has an intriguing future. His development has been impressive and there's still plenty of room for growth. The offense often ran through him last season and his low-post presence led to baskets, foul pressure and open looks for teammates. He's an accomplished passer and defender.
Karnowski probably could have played professionally overseas this fall and made a healthy paycheck. My guess is he would have gone undrafted but now he has another year to improve his draft stock. Keep in mind: a number of Karnowski's better performances have been against the better and bigger centers Gonzaga has faced -- Arizona's Kaleb Tarczewski, Duke's Jahlil Okafor (despite first-half foul trouble), UCLA's Kevon Looney (more of a '4') and Saint Mary's Brad Waldow.
Funny how these mock drafts work sometimes. I can remember Karnowski on draft boards in his freshman year and now he's nowhere to be found, despite the fact that he's a way better all-around player.
The last remaining question is forward Kyle Wiltjer, who hasn't announced whether he'll play his senior season or declare for the draft.
