Darren Duncan returns to Windsor Express

Darren Duncan (middle) celebrates with his teammates after winning the 2014 NBLC Championship at the WFCU Centre.
Photo Credit: Kevin Jarrold / Windsor Express

The Windsor Express has signed point guard Darren Duncan, the team announced this afternoon.

The five-foot-11, 175-pound guard had played for the franchise from 2012-14. He had been a leader for the Express during the team's National Basketball League of Canada championship run in 2014.

He still holds the team's all-time records for assists and total steals. He was also a two-time all-star and the team's captain.

"It feels good (to be back)," said Duncan in an interview with NBL Canada's social media department. "It's good to have a little comfort in knowing I'm going and going somewhere I've been in the past."

Duncan is returning to the franchise after playing in Finland and Greece the past two years. In his most recent season, he averaged 10.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 32 games played.

This is the signing the team had promoted last Friday on social media.

Bill Jones, head coach of the Windsor Express, said Duncan reached out to the team within the past 10 days to show his interest in coming back. Negotiations moved quickly from there.

"I'm very excited to have Darren come back," said Jones. "You have a guy who's arguably one of the best point guards to play in NBL Canada. I'm glad to have him back on my team."

Duncan told the NBLC he felt it was important for a point guard such as himself to know what kind of coaching system he is entering.

"They (Windsor) still kept in contact with me and followed me. They just wanted to be kept in the loop," said Duncan. "I'm excited to see some familiar faces and keeping the fanbase strong."

Jones sees him settling back into a leadership role quickly for the Express, describing him as "our little general." He's excited to see that presence in the locker room and off the court.

"I see him fitting in perfect," said Jones. "I see him fitting in and being the coach on the floor ... We're excited to have him back."

Jones said this is expected to be the last move the team makes before its training camp Dec. 12. The official roster is set to be released this weekend.