Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski returning for senior season

Center Przemek Karnowski is returning to Gonzaga.

Karnowski’s senior year ended after five games because of a back injury last season. The Polish native had season-ending back surgery on Dec. 31 and he’s received a medical redshirt year.

“I’m excited to be coming back,” Karnowski said in a GU release. “After talking with the coaches, my parents and the team, I decided this was the best decision for me. I still have a ways to go with my rehab, but I’m staying positive about the upcoming season.”

Karnowski averaged 8.8 points and 5.4 rebounds prior to the injury. He became the 39th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points with a 12-point effort in a victory over Washington in the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas. He’s 19 rebounds away from becoming the 14th Zag with 600 career boards. Only eight players in school history have scored 1,000 points and grabbed 600 rebounds.

The 7-foot-1 Karnowski, regarded as one of the top defensive centers in the nation, is the most experienced player in the program. He’s expected to join Missouri transfer Johnathan Williams, junior Ryan Edwards and incoming freshman Zach Collins in GU’s front court, which loses standouts Kyle Wiltjer and Domantas Sabonis.

GU’s 2016 recruiting class also includes freshman forwards Killian Tillie and Rui Hachimura and center Jacob Larsen.

Karnowski averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds while earning first-team All-WCC honors as a junior. He was honorable mention as a sophomore (10.4 points, 7.1 rebounds) and he made the WCC All-Freshman team (5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds).

Karnowski said in February he was leaving all of his options open, including playing professionally overseas, after doctors told him his recovery could take 6-9 months. He earned his degree earlier this month.