Miami Gardens, Florida -- Syracuse star freshman Demetres Samuel Jr. said he will be back with the Orange next season, returning to be a cornerstone of the program and foregoing a chance at free agency following an impressive freshman season.

“Me and Fran already had that conversation,” Samuel said, when asked if he’d decided between returning and exploring his options. “I’m here. I’m trying to build something. I think next year we got a lot of talent coming in. I feel like we’re going to shock a lot of people next year.”

Samuel did not go into detail about any contract negotiations but when asked if that decision meant that he and Brown had already hashed out any necessary details regarding his role and financial compensation he responded affirmatively.

Samuel was one of four true fres

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