In an era where college basketball often feels dominated by the revolving door of the transfer portal and one-and-done stars chasing NBA dreams, it’s rare to witness a player pause and reflect with genuine emotion. But that’s exactly what Duke Blue Devils point guard Tyrese Proctor did this week, and the impact of his words has reverberated far beyond Cameron Indoor Stadium.
With tears in his eyes and a lump in his throat, Proctor opened up in an emotional video shared by Duke’s official basketball account. His message was clear, heartfelt, and raw:
“I’m nothing without Coach Scheyer. Nothing. I came here as a kid just trying to find my game, and now I’m leaving a man. That’s all because of him.”
Those words—simple, sincere—have melted hearts across the college basketball world.
From Sydney to Durham: The Beginning of the Journey
Tyrese Proctor’s road to stardom has never been conventional. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Proctor was a rising star in the global basketball scene. He was recruited as part of Duke’s elite 2022 class and reclassified to join a year earlier than expected. For most teenagers, that kind of leap would have been daunting.
But Duke saw something special in him. And more importantly, Jon Scheyer did.
“He believed in me before I believed in myself,” Proctor said in the tribute video. “He gave me the freedom to make mistakes. He gave me the confidence to grow.”
Proctor arrived at Duke during a time of transition. With the legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski stepping down after more than four decades, Scheyer inherited the pressure of maintaining a dynasty. Fresh off his promotion to head coach, Scheyer’s first recruiting classes were scrutinized more than most. But his belief in Proctor never wavered.
Growing Under Scheyer: More Than a Coach
Scheyer’s coaching style, centered around personal development, loyalty, and accountability, has helped Proctor evolve not just as a player but as a leader and young man.
“Coach didn’t just draw up plays. He drew out the best in me,” Proctor reflected.
The first season had its ups and downs. Proctor struggled early on with consistency, adjusting to the speed and physicality of the college game. There were moments—painful ones—where fans and analysts questioned whether the young Aussie could hold his own in Duke’s backcourt.
But Scheyer stood by him.
“He never benched me to send a message,” Proctor said. “He pulled me aside, talked to me like a man, and made me believe I belonged. No yelling. No breaking me down. Just building me up.”
By the end of his freshman season, Proctor had found his rhythm, delivering clutch performances in ACC play and helping lead Duke to an ACC Tournament title. His ability to orchestrate the offense, hit big shots, and defend at a high level earned him praise—and an invitation to return for a pivotal sophomore campaign.
The Decision to Stay
In today’s college basketball environment, players with Proctor’s trajectory often bolt for the NBA after one season. But Proctor made the decision to stay at Duke for another year, turning down the draft to continue learning under Scheyer.
The decision was deeply personal.
“I stayed for Coach,” Proctor revealed. “I stayed because I knew I wasn’t done growing. And he wasn’t done teaching.”
That second year brought even more responsibility. Proctor was no longer a freshman adjusting to the system—he was the experienced leader, tasked with mentoring younger teammates like Jared McCain, Caleb Foster, and Sean Stewart. The team’s chemistry and unselfishness were often credited to Proctor’s maturity and calm leadership on the court.
Duke once again reached the Sweet Sixteen, and while the season didn’t end in a national title, Proctor’s development into one of the ACC’s top guards was undeniable.
A Leader in the Locker Room and Beyond
What made Tyrese Proctor’s relationship with Scheyer even more powerful was what fans didn’t see. Away from the cameras, Proctor was often the first player in the gym, the last to leave, and the one organizing team bonding events.
“Coach Scheyer taught me how to be a brother to my teammates,” he said. “It wasn’t just basketball. He showed me how to lead people.”
That leadership extended off the court as well. Proctor became a fan favorite at Duke, not just for his highlight plays but for his authenticity. He was frequently seen signing autographs for kids, stopping for selfies with fans, and speaking to youth groups on behalf of the program.
And again, he credited Scheyer.
“Coach always reminded me—being a Blue Devil is bigger than just the name on your jersey. It’s about being a role model. He lives that every day.”
Scheyer’s Response
When the tribute video dropped, fans weren’t the only ones moved. Coach Jon Scheyer, clearly emotional, responded with his own message.
“Tyrese is one of the most special young men I’ve had the privilege of coaching. His growth, his heart, and his love for Duke inspire me. I’m so proud of him and everything he’s become.”
That mutual respect—built over two seasons of work, wins, losses, and personal growth—is the kind of connection rarely seen in modern college sports. The image of Proctor hugging Scheyer tightly after his final game in Cameron Indoor, both fighting back tears, has become iconic.
Fan Reaction: “This Is Why We Love Duke”
The college basketball world quickly took notice. Fans flooded social media with tearful reactions and emotional tributes of their own.
- “I haven’t cried like this since Coach K’s retirement. Thank you, Tyrese.”
- “This is what college hoops should be about. Loyalty, growth, real connection.”
- “Jon Scheyer is more than a coach. He’s building men. He’s carrying on the legacy the right way.”
- “Proctor’s words will be etched in Duke history forever.”
Former Duke players chimed in as well, including Tre Jones and Jay Williams, praising both Proctor’s maturity and Scheyer’s leadership.
What’s Next for Proctor?
Now, as Tyrese Proctor begins the next chapter of his career—declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft—the foundation laid at Duke will guide him forward.
“I know wherever I go, I’ll carry Coach’s voice with me,” he said. “I’ll hear him telling me to keep going, to believe in myself, to lift others up.”
Scouts see Proctor as a late first-round pick with elite vision, perimeter defense, and maturity that’s beyond his years. But to Duke fans, he’s already a legend—because of who he became, not just how he played.
And in an age where so many players are focused on the next step, Proctor reminded everyone that the journey matters just as much as the destination.
A Legacy Cemented
When the dust settles on Tyrese Proctor’s time at Duke, his stats will show assists, points, and minutes played. But what fans will remember are his words, his growth, and his gratitude.
“I came here a boy from Sydney,” he said. “Coach Scheyer turned me into a Blue Devil. I’ll carry that with me forever.”
In the lore of Duke basketball—a program steeped in greatness, banners, and brotherhood—Tyrese Proctor’s heartfelt farewell stands out not for the way he played, but for the way he thanked.
And as Duke looks ahead to another promising season, the bond between coach and player, mentor and mentee, will serve as a blueprint for what makes this program special.
No NIL deal. No transfer buzz. Just love, loyalty, and one unforgettable message that reminded the world: sometimes, the greatest victory is how you gro
