Duke Basketball’s Third-Year Starter Tyrese Proctor: Hasn’t Ruled Out Returning for a Fourth Season
In the high-pressure world of college basketball, where players are often faced with tough decisions about their future, Tyrese Proctor, Duke Basketball’s standout third-year starter, has become a central figure for the Blue Devils as they chase national glory. His journey through Duke has been a story of growth, grit, and development. As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches and the NBA Draft looms large in the future, Proctor’s decision-making process will likely become one of the most closely watched storylines in college basketball.
While many players, especially those with Proctor’s talent and exposure, often declare for the NBA Draft early, Proctor has thrown a curveball into the mix by not ruling out returning to Durham for a fourth season. For Duke, this uncertainty surrounding his future presents both an opportunity and a challenge, as Proctor’s leadership and skill set have been pivotal in maintaining the Blue Devils’ national standing. His decision, whatever it may be, will have ramifications for Duke’s future and, potentially, the trajectory of college basketball as a whole.
Proctor’s Impact at Duke: A Third-Year Starter
When Tyrese Proctor first arrived at Duke as a freshman, he was already widely regarded as one of the best point guard prospects in the nation. His combination of size, athleticism, and court vision made him a natural fit for a program like Duke, which places a heavy emphasis on developing top-tier basketball talent. While his freshman season was an adjustment, Proctor showed flashes of brilliance, earning the trust of his coaches and teammates.
By his sophomore year, Proctor was fully entrenched in the starting lineup, playing an integral role in Duke’s success. His playmaking ability and basketball IQ stood out as he navigated the complexities of ACC play, helping orchestrate Duke’s offensive sets and consistently creating opportunities for his teammates. His steady development as a leader on the floor allowed Duke to remain competitive on a national scale.
As we enter the 2025 season, Proctor’s game has evolved significantly. His ability to make decisions quickly, his leadership in critical moments, and his increasing proficiency as a scorer have solidified him as one of the best point guards in college basketball. He has consistently been one of the Blue Devils’ top contributors in scoring, assists, and defense. But perhaps his most significant evolution has been his mental maturity. Proctor has become more than just a talented player—he’s a vocal leader who sets the tone for his team both on and off the court.
In a season where Duke has had its fair share of ups and downs, Proctor has remained one of the most consistent players on the team. His performance and poise in big games have earned him widespread recognition, and as a result, he has found himself atop numerous NBA mock draft boards. His current trajectory suggests that he is ready to make the leap to professional basketball, but Proctor has left the door open for a return to Duke for a fourth season, which adds intrigue to the situation.
The Temptation of the NBA Draft
For most college basketball players, the NBA Draft represents the pinnacle of their athletic journey. It’s an opportunity to achieve their dreams, secure a lucrative contract, and begin their professional careers. For someone like Proctor, who has undoubtedly turned heads with his combination of skills, athleticism, and high basketball IQ, the allure of the NBA is incredibly strong. He’s been lauded for his court vision, ability to break down defenses, and his knack for running an offense with efficiency.
Yet, while many of his peers are already focused on the NBA, Proctor is not in a rush to make the jump. This level of maturity and foresight in a player of his caliber is rare. Proctor has considered all factors in his decision-making process. While his talent is undeniably NBA-ready, there are several compelling reasons why Proctor might choose to stay at Duke for one more year and continue his development under the tutelage of Mike Krzyzewski’s successor, Jon Scheyer.
Reasons for Staying: The Benefits of a Fourth Year at Duke
There are a variety of factors at play in Proctor’s decision to potentially return to Duke for his fourth season. Let’s explore some of the most significant reasons why staying in Durham could benefit both Proctor and the Blue Devils.
1. Continued Development Under Scheyer’s System
One of the most important considerations for Proctor would be his continued growth as a player under Coach Jon Scheyer. While Proctor has undoubtedly made huge strides in his first three years, his development is far from complete. With Scheyer at the helm, Duke has a dynamic coaching staff that focuses on refining players’ skills, developing basketball IQ, and building a strong team chemistry. Staying for a fourth year would allow Proctor to work closely with Scheyer and further elevate his game in ways that could make him even more attractive to NBA scouts.
Duke’s system emphasizes both offensive and defensive prowess, and Proctor, as a point guard, would be a perfect fit for a more refined role. His already impressive decision-making and playmaking could become even sharper, while his leadership qualities would be further cultivated. Additionally, with another year to work on his shooting mechanics, ball handling, and defensive skills, Proctor could enhance his value in the eyes of NBA executives.
2. Duke’s National Championship Aspirations
Another key factor in Proctor’s decision to stay could be the Blue Devils’ national championship aspirations. As a third-year starter, Proctor has the opportunity to lead Duke on a deep NCAA Tournament run, potentially guiding the team to its first championship since 2015. While Duke has been a perennial powerhouse, they’ve fallen short in recent years. For Proctor, returning for a fourth year could give him a chance to cement his legacy at Duke as one of the program’s great leaders, bringing a national title back to Durham in the process.
In addition, Duke is primed for success in the upcoming season, with a talented roster full of returning stars and promising newcomers. Proctor has the chance to be the centerpiece of a potential championship team, which would not only add to his collegiate legacy but also boost his draft stock as a player capable of thriving under pressure and performing in high-stakes situations.
3. A More Refined Draft Position
While Proctor’s current stock is impressive, there’s always room for improvement. The NBA Draft is a highly competitive process, and every player wants to enter the league with as much preparation and as high a draft position as possible. For Proctor, staying at Duke for a fourth season would give him another year to refine his game and ensure that he enters the draft at his absolute best. By staying in college for another year, Proctor could increase his chances of being a top-10 pick, thus securing a more lucrative contract and a higher profile in the NBA.
Additionally, the nature of the draft means that teams are looking for players who can contribute immediately. A more polished, well-rounded version of Proctor after another year at Duke could elevate his value, allowing him to land in a better situation in the NBA, where he can earn playing time and continue his development.
The Pressure to Declare for the NBA
While staying for another year at Duke has its clear advantages, there are also pressures that would push Proctor toward declaring for the NBA Draft. First and foremost, the financial aspect cannot be ignored. The NBA offers a level of financial security that college basketball simply cannot. Declaring for the NBA Draft guarantees Proctor the chance to sign a contract that could be worth millions of dollars, setting him up for long-term financial success.
Furthermore, with NBA teams in need of talented point guards, Proctor may feel that the time is right to make the leap. Players like him, with the skills and basketball IQ to succeed at the next level, tend to have shorter windows in college basketball to prove themselves before they enter the NBA.
Lastly, Proctor may feel that he has already accomplished all he can at the college level. He has helped lead Duke to major victories, earned accolades, and proven himself as one of the nation’s best point guards. Returning for a fourth year may not provide the same level of satisfaction for Proctor, who may be eager to take on the challenge of competing at the professional level.