Former Duke point guard William Avery has returned to Durham to pursue the completion of his undergraduate degree.

The 40 year old August, Georgia native who led the Blue Devils to a 37-2 record and an appearance in the 1999 National Championship game announced the news late Wednesday night.

Guess who’s back??? I have returned to Duke University to get my degree after 20 years! The support from @DukeMBB has been nothing short of amazing. I love my guys! #TheBrotherhood ???? pic.twitter.com/hYOWF4mppC — William Avery (@Will_Avery5) August 29, 2019

Following the 1999 championship game loss to Connecticut, Avery joined National Player of the Year Elton Brand along with freshman Corey Maggette in departing Duke for the NBA.

At that time early departure for the NBA was relatively uncommon in Durham and Avery's decision didn't result in universal support from all parties involved. In fact the 6-foot-2 guard was counseled against the decision by coach Mike Krzyzewski who felt the Georgia floor general still needed more time to develop his game.

"We have done extensive research into the NBA for William, and my conclusion was that entering the draft now would not be in his best interests," Krzyzewski said in a prepared statement following the announcement.

In the end, however, Avery decided to forego his final remaining years at Duke and was eventually drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 14th pick. He played in 142 games over three seasons averaging 2.7 points per game and 1.4 assists per game before pursuing the remainder of his professional career in Isreal and Greece.

"In a perfect world, I would have stayed in Durham for the next two years and try to win a national championship as well as get a degree,' Avery said after declaring for the draft. "The reality of it is, I have a chance to help my family financially. To give my mother, my grandmother and my sister the type of life I think they deserve."

Such decisions have become commonplace these days with players leaving college after only a few months. Duke has been at the forefront of that movement of late, regularly turning over the starting lineup as several freshmen depart Durham for the NBA. In 1999, however, it wasn't just the programs and coaches in college basketball suggesting players remain in school. It was the NBA at large.

"We don't like for them to leave early," NBA director of scouting Marty Blake told the Duke Chronicle following Avery's announcement. "You can't stop them. I understand (Avery's) situation, but I hope he's not making a mistake."

Avery's decision to officially return to Durham to pursue his degree has been in the works for several seasons. He told TheDevilsDen.com's Steve Clark that he was looking to line up classes as early as 2015.

"I feel I owe it to myself to finish my degree," Avery told Clark in February of 2015. "Second, somewhere along the line I want to become a college basketball coach and I know to do that I need to finish my degree."

While there were some undeniably hard feelings during the summer of 1999 and for a few years after stemming from the decision to leave Duke, Avery says the opportunity to reconnect with the program later in life helped rebuild the relationship with Coach Krzyzewski.

"I get to see him every summer down at the K Academy and we talk. It’s great and we’ve always had a great relationship."