Tyrese Proctor’s Mom Sends Clear Message to Jon Scheyer After Son Declares for NBA Draft

Tyrese Proctor has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, marking the end of his collegiate career with the Duke Blue Devils. A highly anticipated move, his announcement was met with a mix of excitement and nostalgia from Duke fans who have watched the Australian guard grow into one of college basketball’s premier backcourt talents. But it wasn’t just Proctor’s message to Blue Devil Nation that drew attention—his mother, Rochelle Proctor, added a powerful and heartfelt layer to the story with a direct and emotional message to Duke head coach Jon Scheyer.

When a player leaves a program, especially one like Duke with its deep traditions and emotional bonds, the moment is rarely just about basketball. It becomes a chapter-closing experience for families who have entrusted their sons to a coaching staff, often thousands of miles from home. Rochelle Proctor’s message wasn’t just about her son’s growth as a player—it was a testament to the culture, care, and commitment of the Duke program under Jon Scheyer’s leadership.

“Thank you, Jon,” Rochelle wrote on social media. “Thank you for believing in Tyrese and supporting him every step of the way. From the first day he arrived on campus to the moment he made his decision, you’ve been more than a coach—you’ve been family. We are forever grateful.”

The words struck a chord with Blue Devil fans, who understand that in today’s college basketball landscape—where transfer portal moves and one-and-done talent are the norm—building a lasting and meaningful relationship between player and coach is not always guaranteed. Rochelle Proctor’s public message echoed sentiments that many parents wish they could express, and it gave an intimate look at what Scheyer’s program has meant to the Proctor family.

Tyrese Proctor arrived at Duke with a reputation as one of the top international prospects in the world. Originally part of the 2023 class, he reclassified and joined the Blue Devils in 2022, stepping onto campus as an 18-year-old with immense potential and a steady hand. There were growing pains early on, but Proctor steadily developed into a leader on the court, known for his high basketball IQ, smooth shooting, and elite playmaking.

Across his two seasons in Durham, Proctor’s role evolved from talented freshman to trusted floor general. In a program that has seen some of the game’s biggest names—Kyrie Irving, Jason Williams, Tre Jones, and more—run the point, Proctor managed to carve his own legacy. He was never the flashiest player, but he was often the most reliable, especially in tight games and high-pressure moments.

While many international players face steep adjustment periods when transitioning to the American college game, Proctor’s maturity and professionalism stood out. Much of that, no doubt, comes from his upbringing and strong family support system. And while his play was shaped by hours in the gym and film sessions, his mom’s message reminded fans and analysts alike that it’s the off-court relationships that help young athletes truly flourish.

“Tyrese is leaving Duke not just as a better player, but as a better person,” Rochelle continued. “And that’s because of the environment Jon created for him and his teammates. It’s about trust, love, and growth—and that’s what we found at Duke.”

The message, while directed to Scheyer, also resonated throughout the college basketball world. Scheyer, still early in his tenure as Duke’s head coach following the retirement of the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, has faced pressure to maintain the program’s standard of excellence while putting his own stamp on things. In his first two years at the helm, Scheyer has not only brought in top-tier recruiting classes, but he’s also earned praise for the way he develops and connects with players.

Rochelle Proctor’s comments underscore what many insiders have already noted: Scheyer is building something special, and he’s doing it with integrity and personal investment. In the age of NIL deals, early departures, and roster fluidity, having a head coach who genuinely prioritizes his players’ well-being—on and off the court—can be a game-changer.

Tyrese Proctor’s departure will undoubtedly leave a hole in Duke’s backcourt. His ability to control tempo, defend multiple positions, and lead by example was crucial to the Blue Devils’ recent success. But his exit also opens the door for the next wave of Duke guards, some of whom no doubt will benefit from the same support system that guided Proctor through his time in Durham.

And as Proctor prepares for the NBA, there’s little doubt that he’s leaving with the full backing of a coach and program that believed in him. Scheyer responded to the announcement with his own heartfelt message, calling Proctor “a special player and an even more special person.”

“What Tyrese brought to our team goes beyond stats,” Scheyer wrote. “His leadership, his presence, his commitment—those are things that elevated everyone around him. I’m so proud of him and so excited for what’s ahead. He’s ready.”

The mutual respect and admiration between coach and player, reinforced by Rochelle’s message, paints a picture of a family-like atmosphere that, while hard to create, is essential for long-term program health. For Scheyer, it’s a sign that his culture is resonating. For the Proctors, it’s proof that they made the right decision two years ago.

In the NBA Draft, Proctor is expected to be a mid-to-late first-round selection. Scouts love his feel for the game, his length as a combo guard, and his ability to both initiate offense and play off the ball. His international experience, combined with his time under the bright lights of Cameron Indoor Stadium, makes him one of the more seasoned guards in the draft class. But his journey to the pros isn’t just about skill—it’s about character. And that’s something his mother made clear in her message.

“There are a lot of great programs in college basketball,” Rochelle wrote. “But not all of them treat your child like their own. At Duke, Tyrese was loved, challenged, supported, and pushed to be the best version of himself. That’s more than we ever could’ve hoped for.”

It’s rare for a parent’s message to go viral in the sports world, but Rochelle Proctor’s words resonated because they were real. They told a story that numbers can’t. Her son is leaving Duke with more than a resume—he’s leaving with a legacy, one defined not just by his play, but by the relationships he built and the man he became.

As Duke turns the page to its next chapter and Proctor begins his professional journey, fans will remember not just the shots he made or the games he won—but the poise he played with, the maturity he showed, and the way he represented the Duke name. And just as importantly, they’ll remember the message his mom shared—a reminder that in the world of elite college basketball, the most valuable thing a program can offer is trust.

That trust helped mold Tyrese Proctor into an NBA-ready guard. That trust built a bond between a family from Sydney and a program in Durham. And that trust will live on, not only in Proctor’s next steps, but in the foundation Jon Scheyer continues to build at Duke.