Cooper Flagg Reacts to Tyrese Proctor’s NBA Draft Decision: “He Deserves Everything Coming to Him”

When news broke that Duke guard Tyrese Proctor would declare for the 2024 NBA Draft, the basketball world buzzed with reactions from fans, analysts, and teammates alike. But one of the most compelling and heartfelt responses came from a player who hasn’t even suited up in a college game yet: Cooper Flagg.

Flagg, the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class and a future Duke Blue Devil, took to social media and later elaborated in an interview about what Proctor’s decision means to him personally—and to Duke’s program as a whole. Though the two never shared the court, their relationship and mutual respect run deep. Flagg’s reaction offers insight not only into Proctor’s impact but also into the character and mindset of one of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory.

Flagg, a Maine native known for his defensive prowess, court vision, and ultra-competitive nature, has been locked in on Duke for months. He committed early, reclassified to join the Blue Devils a year sooner than originally planned, and has since embraced the role of unofficial team ambassador. But Proctor, a crafty Australian guard who returned for a sophomore season at Duke after bypassing the 2023 draft, represented something more to Flagg—an example, a model of growth, and a standard of Duke excellence.

“Tyrese is the kind of guy you want to play with,” Flagg said. “Unselfish, smart, composed. You watch him and you just learn. I did.”

Indeed, Flagg spent the past season observing Duke’s campaign closely. Proctor didn’t always post eye-popping stats, but his poise, his ability to run the offense, and his commitment to team basketball didn’t go unnoticed. He was often tasked with defending the opposition’s best perimeter player, and his basketball IQ shone brightest in critical moments. To Flagg, those qualities matter more than highlight dunks or viral moments.

“People can get caught up in the flashy plays,” Flagg said. “But Tyrese was about winning. He did the little things. He’s one of those players where you realize his value the more you actually understand the game.”

That appreciation for subtlety is part of what makes Flagg such a unique talent himself. Scouts have raved about his motor, his instincts, and the way he elevates everyone around him. It’s no surprise, then, that he was drawn to a player like Proctor.

Their relationship began during Flagg’s visits to Durham and continued through occasional text exchanges, film sessions, and shared time in the gym when schedules allowed. While not teammates in the traditional sense, the two formed a bridge between Duke’s present and future—a passing of the torch, if you will.

“He didn’t have to give me advice or show me love, but he did,” Flagg said of Proctor. “That’s who he is. That’s Duke.”

Proctor’s decision to declare for the NBA Draft was not unexpected. After showing significant improvement from his freshman year, including better shot mechanics and a more assertive offensive presence, he became a likely late first-round or early second-round selection in a deep guard class. But his impact on Duke’s culture might linger even longer than any stat line suggests.

For Flagg, who is already drawing comparisons to former Duke greats and projected as a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Proctor’s path offers a roadmap—not necessarily in style of play, but in approach, professionalism, and development.

“It’s not just about getting to the league,” Flagg said. “It’s about being ready when you get there. Tyrese got better every month. That’s how you do it. That’s what I want to do.”

There’s a certain irony to Flagg praising a player he never suited up with, but that speaks to how deeply the Duke brotherhood resonates among its members—past, present, and future. Coach Jon Scheyer has emphasized continuity, program pride, and personal growth as key pillars of the program, and Flagg clearly bought in.

Flagg also acknowledged that Proctor’s departure leaves a hole on the roster, one he doesn’t take lightly. While he’s known for his versatility and ability to play anywhere on the floor, Flagg recognizes that Proctor’s presence on and off the court was stabilizing.

“I’m going to do everything I can to help fill that gap,” Flagg said. “Not just in terms of production, but leadership, communication—just being someone my teammates can count on, like Tyrese was.”

That mentality has already made waves in recruiting circles and within the Duke locker room. Incoming freshmen and returning players alike have cited Flagg’s maturity and drive as major reasons for their excitement heading into next season.

Still, Flagg knows that admiration is one thing, and performance is another. He’s aware of the expectations surrounding his arrival—some fair, others inflated—and he welcomes the pressure. In fact, he says Proctor offered him words of wisdom on that topic.

“He told me, ‘Just be you. Don’t get caught up in the noise. You know what you can do, so go do it.’ That stuck with me,” Flagg recalled.

With Proctor off to the pros, Duke’s backcourt will look different next season. But Flagg isn’t concerned. He’s confident in the talent around him, the system, and the culture he’s about to step into. And while the college basketball world eagerly anticipates his debut, Flagg remains focused on the process—improving every day, earning everything, and honoring those who came before him.

“I want to make Tyrese proud,” Flagg said. “He wore that Duke jersey the right way. Now it’s my turn.”

The mutual respect between Flagg and Proctor underscores something essential about Duke’s program under Scheyer. It’s not just about churning out NBA talent, though it certainly does that. It’s about building something lasting—connections, standards, and legacies. Proctor’s two years in Durham may not have ended with a national championship, but he leaves behind something equally valuable: a blueprint for greatness.

Flagg, who has spent countless hours studying film, working on his game, and preparing for the college grind, sees that legacy as both a challenge and a privilege.

“We’re all temporary here,” he said. “But what you leave behind matters. Tyrese left a mark. I want to do the same.”

With those words, Flagg didn’t just reflect on Proctor’s decision—he revealed a glimpse of his own future. A future built on respect, hard work, and the belief that Duke basketball is more than a brand. It’s a brotherhood, and it’s in good hands.

As Proctor prepares for the NBA and Flagg readies himself for the Cameron Indoor spotlight, their paths will continue to intertwine in spirit. One leaves, one arrives, but the standard remains. That’s what makes Duke different. That’s what makes Flagg’s reaction more than just praise—it’s a promise.

“I’m going to give everything I’ve got,” Flagg said. “Because that’s what Duke deserves. That’s what Tyrese showed me.”