Duke’s Tyrese Proctor Steps Up as Team Pursues NCAA Championship

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — As Duke University aims for its sixth NCAA championship, all eyes are on Tyrese Proctor, the transformative player who has become a pivotal figure on the team.

Proctor, a third-year guard from Australia, has been absolutely crucial as the Blue Devils compete in their first Final Four under head coach Jon Scheyer. According to Scheyer, Proctor’s choice to return for a third season instead of entering the NBA draft has significantly impacted Duke’s success this season.

“We probably aren’t here,” Scheyer said. “If we didn’t make that decision at that time: For Tyrese to come early, and for him to go for it.” Proctor, initially thrust into a leadership role after joining Duke in the wake of Mike Krzyzewski‘s retirement, navigated the challenges of his freshman year with grace despite early setbacks.

“It felt like I only had a split second to make a read or reaction,” Proctor recalled. “I knew it was going to be ups and downs, but I think I had more downs than ups.” His average of 9.4 points and 3.3 assists during his freshman season didn’t reflect the potential that coaches saw in him.

A turning point came after Duke’s early exit from the NCAA tournament last season, where Proctor scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half against Tennessee. This was the moment he felt the game slowing down for him, but it also brought heightened expectations for the following season.

Determined to harness his potential, Proctor made significant lifestyle changes in the offseason. He began working with a personal mental coach to develop his game both mentally and physically. “A lot of things on the court are actually in your mind,” Proctor said. “The only sort of thing that stops you from your rhythm is yourself.”

He also altered his diet, focusing on recovery and sleep, which are essential as he faced the physical demands of high-stakes college basketball. The results of his offseason work became evident as Proctor found his shooting touch, contributing to high-pressure moments, such as Duke’s ACC tournament victory against Louisville.

During this NCAA Tournament, Proctor has averaged 17 points and three assists while shooting an impressive 64% from behind the arc across four games. His recent performance has included numerous clutch three-pointers that have propelled Duke into the Final Four.

While star freshman Cooper Flagg may be Duke’s leading scorer, Proctor has emerged as a crucial playmaker and the team’s emotional backbone. “He’s become a professional,” said associate head coach Chris Carrawell. His growth as a player has mirrored his development as a leader.

As Duke prepares for a critical matchup against Houston for a shot at the national championship, Proctor’s evolution stands out, showcasing how crucial his contributions will be in the deciding moments. “You go after the guys you believe in,” Scheyer remarked about Proctor’s journey. “At the end of the day, you’re going to be somewhere special.”