Mike Krzyzewski Didn’t Hesitate to Name Duke’s Best Player Outside of Cooper Flagg
In a moment that has turned heads within the basketball world, legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has made a bold statement regarding the current roster of his former team. While Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as one of the top young basketball talents in the country, has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier prospects for the upcoming season, Coach K didn’t hesitate to name another standout player when asked who he believes is Duke’s best outside of Flagg.
Krzyzewski, who led the Blue Devils to five national championships during his storied career, took time to reflect on the current state of Duke’s basketball program, offering an insider’s view on the roster’s depth and individual performances. While Cooper Flagg, the highly-touted recruit from Maine, is receiving a lot of attention for his game-changing abilities, Krzyzewski’s comment sheds light on the impressive talent Duke has beyond its freshman phenom.
Without missing a beat, Krzyzewski singled out Tyrese Proctor, a name that might not ring as many bells as Flagg, but is poised for a breakout season. Proctor, a talented Australian guard who showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman year, has the skill set and the potential to take over the lead role for the Blue Devils. Coach K’s endorsement of Proctor highlights his belief in the 6’5″ guard’s ability to be a game-changer for the team in 2025.
Proctor’s performance during his freshman season was certainly impressive. He averaged a solid 9.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, showing poise and maturity beyond his years. His playmaking ability and basketball IQ stood out, making him a key piece in Duke’s rotation. However, what Coach K is referring to in his statement is Proctor’s untapped potential. The next step in Proctor’s development is becoming a more consistent scorer and assertive leader on both ends of the floor.
In an interview, Coach K acknowledged that while Flagg is undoubtedly the most talented player on the roster, Proctor’s combination of leadership, maturity, and basketball fundamentals gives him the edge in certain situations. “Tyrese has that ability to elevate his teammates. His vision, his decision-making, and his capability to score when needed, makes him special. He’ll be a key player for us, and I’m excited to see him take that next step,” Krzyzewski said.
The coach also referenced the importance of leadership in building a championship-caliber team, something that Proctor has started to show in practice and in his interactions with teammates. As a freshman, Proctor already displayed moments of high-level basketball smarts, and with a year of experience under his belt, the expectation is that he will step into a more prominent role.
For Duke fans, Coach K’s words carry weight. Though Flagg is the consensus top pick for the future, Tyrese Proctor’s importance to the Blue Devils’ success this season cannot be understated. His growth as both a player and a leader could be the difference-maker for Duke as they look to contend for a national title. If Proctor can live up to the hype that Coach K has placed on him, Duke’s basketball future looks incredibly bright, with the Blue Devils boasting a dynamic duo of Flagg and Proctor leading the charge.
Krzyzewski’s confidence in Proctor sends a message not only to the Duke program but to the entire college basketball community: don’t sleep on Tyrese Proctor, because he’s ready to shine.
