Coach Scheyer behind the scenes made moves to enroll five-star All-American Australian point guard Tyrese Proctor at Duke early. Proctor originally stated early his intentions to stay with the 2023 recruiting class, but with the announcement of freshman guard Trevor Keels remaining in the NBA draft, a huge void needed to be filled at Duke’s shooting guard spot.
“We have had extensive talks with Tyrese and his family over the last few weeks and we are thrilled to be welcoming him on the 2022-23 team,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said about Proctor’s reclassification. “Tyrese has a special feel for the game with great scoring instincts who will add to the versatility, competitiveness, and high character of this team. He is such an advanced player with an international basketball resume that includes his NBA Global Academy experience who is more than ready to take on this opportunity right now.”
Proctor becomes the newest member of a Duke freshman class that is already ranked No. 1 nationally by ESPN, Rivals and 247 Sports. He comes to Durham from the NBA Global Academy branch in Caberra, Australia. Proctor originally committed to Duke on April 7, 2022.
“The moment I stepped foot inside Cameron I knew it was where I belonged,” said Proctor. “I’m ready to step up and face a new challenge where I maximize my development as a player and continue to grow on and off the court. Waiting a year to put on that Duke jersey was too long. After weighing my options with my family and coaches, I’m excited to announce I will be reclassifying up to the class of 2022. It will be an honor to join Coach Scheyer’s first team and represent one of the best universities in the world on the basketball court. I can’t wait to get to work at Duke!”
Tyrese Proctor’s game resembles Denver Nuggets’ point guard Jamal Murray with his ability to create his own shot off the dribble, attack the lane at will and his deadly first step, while keeping the defense at bay with his perimeter shooting. Proctor also doesn’t negate contact, with his favorable 6’5 frame to finish above defenders.
With the departure of wing and three-point marksman Joey Baker, who entered the transfer portal, Duke has one scholarship spot available. The Blue Devils have been mentioned as potential landing spots for transfer combo guards Courtney Ramey (Texas) and Jacob Grandison (Illinois). Expect Duke to make a move within the portal in the upcoming days.
Cause for Concern and Why the Portal is Important for Duke’s upcoming Season?
Some say veteran leadership is overrated, but the numbers don’t lie when it comes to having leaders with experience on your team – especially if you want to cut down the nets in March. It’s certainly possible to obtain a title with freshman, but if you look at the last several national champions the rosters included veteran leadership. Duke’s last title in 2015 came with three freshman, but the backbone of the roster included senior captains Quinn Cook and Amile Jefferson. The last three NCAA Tournament champions – Kansas, Baylor and Virginia – all had rosters with veteran players getting meaningful minutes. Junior point guard Jeremy Roach has the most experience on Duke’s 2022-23 team and in March, experience, leadership and guard play will define your success.