Tyrese Proctor Announces Return to Duke for Junior Season
In a major boost for Duke basketball, guard Tyrese Proctor has announced he will return for his junior season in 2025–26. The 6-foot-5 Australian playmaker brings back experience, leadership, and two-way talent to a Blue Devils squad aiming to stay atop the college basketball landscape.
Proctor’s decision to return comes amid speculation that he might enter the 2025 NBA Draft, where he was projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick. However, after careful consideration, Proctor cited “unfinished business” and his desire to win a national championship as primary reasons for coming back to Durham.
During the 2024–25 season, Proctor averaged 13.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 45% from the field and 38% from three-point range. He often served as Duke’s floor general, providing steady decision-making, perimeter defense, and timely scoring in clutch situations. His performance in the Elite Eight victory over Arizona—where he dished out 11 assists with zero turnovers—highlighted his growth as a pure point guard.
Off the court, Proctor has become a fan favorite thanks to his calm demeanor, high basketball IQ, and maturity. His return solidifies Duke’s backcourt and provides head coach Jon Scheyer with a seasoned leader capable of mentoring younger guards in the incoming class.
“I love this program, the fans, and my teammates,” Proctor said in a statement released by the university. “I’m excited to run it back and chase a championship with my brothers.”
With Proctor’s return, Duke gains a vital piece in its pursuit of another Final Four run. His experience and leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges of a competitive ACC season and a loaded national field. For Duke fans, Proctor’s homecoming feels like a championship-caliber win in itself.
