Moments after hearing his name called in the NBA Draft, Tyrese Proctor took a moment not to celebrate, but to give a heartfelt shoutout to the program and coach who changed his life — the Duke Blue Devils and head coach Jon Scheyer.
> “I’m nothing without Coach Scheyer. He believed in me when I was still finding myself. He pushed me, challenged me, and made me the player — and man — I am today.”
The message came during a post-draft interview, and it immediately made waves among Duke fans and college basketball media alike. Social media lit up with reactions, as Proctor’s raw emotion and unwavering loyalty to his alma mater reminded everyone of the brotherhood that defines Duke basketball.
From Australia to Durham… to the Draft
Proctor, who came to Durham with international hype and left as one of the ACC’s most polished guards, showed growth both on and off the court during his time at Duke. While some questioned whether he’d turn pro after his first season, Proctor’s decision to return for another year under Scheyer was all about development — and clearly, it paid off.
> “Coach didn’t just coach my game — he coached my heart,” Proctor added. “I owe him everything.”
Blue Devil Brotherhood Forever
Scheyer, known for his player-first approach and tireless development system, has built a culture where loyalty and growth come before ego — and Proctor’s message proves it’s working. Duke’s official basketball account reposted the quote with the caption:
> “Once a Blue Devil, Always a Blue Devil. Proud of you, TP.”
The love between coach and player wasn’t just one-sided. In a brief statement, Coach Scheyer said:
> “Tyrese is one of the most dedicated, selfless players I’ve ever coached. I’m beyond proud of him.”
What’s Next?
As Proctor steps into the NBA spotlight, one thing is clear — he’ll carry the lessons of Durham with him every step of the way. And for Duke fans, that message means more than any stat line or draft position.
Because when a player says, “I’m nothing without Coach Scheyer,” it’s not just a thank you — it’s a legacy.
