It turns out that Mark Williams“The practice days at Duke University’s Michael W. Krzyzewski Center aren’t over, after all.

THE Charlotte Hornets On Thursday, they announced plans to hold training camp at Duke next month, meaning Williams will once again be a big man on Durham’s campus — just not in Blue Devils colors. The Hornets will begin their Season 2024-25 preparation with practices from October 1 to 4.

This is the first time the Hornets have held a camp away from the Novant Health Training Center since 2019, when they spent four days across Tobacco Road at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill.

Charlotte is moving into Duke’s 56,000-square-foot indoor athletic facility, which also housed the Brooklyn Nets‘ training camps in 2013 and 2015 thanks to the call of alumni Blue Devils forward Billy Kingwho was then the team’s general manager.

KCENTER4.SP.020708.EDR.JPG The new Michael W. Krzyzewski Center (pictured Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008) includes two practice courts. The complex will officially open Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. Staff photo by Ted Richardson/The News & Observer.KCENTER4.SP.020708.EDR.JPG The new Michael W. Krzyzewski Center (pictured Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008) includes two practice courts. The complex will officially open Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. Staff photo by Ted Richardson/The News & Observer.

KCENTER4.SP.020708.EDR.JPG The new Michael W. Krzyzewski Center (pictured Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008) includes two practice courts. The complex will officially open Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. Staff photo by Ted Richardson/The News & Observer.

With a new regime in place, including a first-year head coach in Charles Leeand with ongoing renovations at the Spectrum Center wrapping up, the Hornets hierarchy decided it would be best to begin laying the foundation for the upcoming campaign in a team-building environment.

Perhaps being back in familiar surroundings could provide a boost for Williams, who is making his highly anticipated return after missing most of his sophomore season with a lingering lower back injury. The 22-year-old, who starred at Duke for two years before the Hornets acquired him in a trade on the day of the 2022 draft, told The Observer in July that he was motivated to return to his former form and beyond.

Williams’ health, as well as LaMelo Ball‘s, is one of several keys needed for the Hornets to end the NBA’s longest postseason drought.

“I understand their concern,” Williams said. “I can understand their reasoning. Last year wasn’t what we wanted. I’m in a good position, Melo’s in a good position, it all looks promising. We’re excited and ready for Game 1.”

This trip to their season opener in Houston October 23 officially begins in less than three weeks. The Hornets’ roster rises to 19 players with the additions Marcus Garrett, Keyontae Johnson, Caleb McConnell And Joel Soriano.

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