After the Duke Blue Devils faced elimination in the Final Four from a tough and talented Houston team, fans were left buzzing with questions about the team’s future. One of the biggest focal points was junior guard Tyrese Proctor. Coming off a standout season where he was recognized as an All-ACC player and establishing himself as one of Duke’s key contributors, the speculation about his next steps grew louder. Now, the wait is finally over. Tyrese Proctor has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, as confirmed by Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.
This week has seen a flurry of action from Duke players heading to the draft, with Proctor following fellow freshman guard Kon Knueppel, who also expressed his intention to pursue a professional career. And the excitement doesn’t stop there—rumor has it that Duke’s dynamic freshmen stars, Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach, are likely to make similar announcements in the coming weeks. When you look at the potential of these four players, it’s clear they could all find themselves as first-round picks. Flagg, in particular, is being touted as a favorite for the coveted No. 1 overall pick.
Proctor’s recent performances in the NCAA Tournament likely bolstered his standing among NBA scouts. Mock drafts are currently placing him as a mid-first-round pick, reflecting the respect he has earned across the league. During his time at Duke, Proctor was one of head coach Jon Scheyer’s first recruits, making a significant impact since arriving early as part of the reclassified 2022 class. Hailing from Australia, Proctor’s journey has been compelling—over three seasons, he has transformed himself into a player with the potential to compete at the highest level.
In the recently concluded season, Proctor appeared in all 38 games, earning a start in each one. Averaging just over 29 minutes per game, his stats read 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Notably, he shot 45.2% from the field, 40.5% from beyond the arc, and 68% from the free-throw line. His performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-ACC Third Team, which is no small feat in a conference known for its level of competition.
Looking forward, Proctor is projected to fill the role of point guard in the NBA, where his strong defensive skills and dynamic shooting ability will make him attractive to teams. Year after year, he’s consistently improved his three-point shooting—going from 32% as a freshman, to 35.2% as a sophomore, to an impressive 40.5% this past junior year. This kind of growth not only highlights his work ethic but also shows his adaptability, qualities that NBA teams deeply value.
As fans, it’s always thrilling to witness the progress of a player like Tyrese Proctor, who embodies the determination and talent that make college basketball so special. As he embarks on this next chapter, there’s a sense of excitement not just for him, but for those of us who have followed his journey. We can’t wait to see how he translates his college success to the professional stage, and it’s a ride we’ll all be cheering him on through.
Image Source: Tyrese Proctor @ Instagram
