By Pat Welter

“League next, Duke forever,” was the caption on Duke’s social media accounts to announce Tyrese Proctor’s declaration for the NBA draft. 

Proctor spent three seasons at Duke. His numbers improved each season with 12.4 points per game last year and over 40% shooting from three. 

“It’s not just about what he did last season, it’s about the journey we’ve been on the last three seasons and to see the individual growth that hes made over his time at Duke,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said in a video posted by Duke on X.com.

“He came here at a time playing for a guy that had never been a head coach before,” Scheyer continued referencing himself.  “This season the way he shot the ball and defended in particular were as high a level as any guard in the country.  You add in his playmaking his leadership and the way he wrapped his arms around the young guys, just a steadying force on the floor.  It’s time for him to chase that NBA dream.

In Proctors three seasons he won two ACC tournament titles and was a key part of Duke’s run to the Final Four in 2025. Proctor joins freshman Kon Knueppel who also recently declared for the NBA draft.  Freshman Khaman Maluach is a projected NBA lottery pick and Cooper Flagg is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick.Â