The worst, and best: How Tyrese Proctor’s professional path brought Duke basketball to Final Four

Duke basketball has long been a powerhouse in the NCAA, known for its dominant programs, illustrious head coach Mike Krzyzewski, and the legacy of future NBA stars. However, in recent years, the spotlight has shifted to new faces, with the latest addition to the Blue Devils’ storied lineage being Tyrese Proctor. While his journey to the team was far from traditional, it was exactly what the program needed to return to its elite status. Proctor’s professional path — one of setbacks, perseverance, and ultimate triumph — has played a crucial role in propelling Duke basketball back into the Final Four.

Early Life and the Australian Roots

Tyrese Proctor’s story begins far from the United States, in the basketball-mad country of Australia. Born in Sydney, Proctor grew up in a community that valued skill, agility, and the tenacity required for basketball at the highest level. Like many young players, Proctor found his passion for the sport early, joining local teams and gradually gaining attention for his unique blend of playmaking and scoring ability.

But basketball in Australia is no small feat. While the country has produced some incredible talents, such as Ben Simmons, Patty Mills, and Andrew Bogut, there were few clear paths to NBA glory. As a teenager, Proctor made the decision to join the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) to gain experience playing against men, a decision that would significantly shape his development as a player.

The NBL Experience: A Bumpy Road

Proctor’s time in the NBL was far from smooth sailing. The NBL’s level of competition is high, with many of its players being seasoned veterans, and Proctor, at 16, was learning to compete against grown men. His first season was riddled with challenges, from adapting to a faster-paced game to learning how to manage the mental and physical toll of professional basketball. There were moments when it seemed like the path he had chosen was leading him into a tough, uncharted territory.

His adjustment wasn’t easy, and there were certainly times when Proctor’s confidence wavered. Critics wondered whether the young Australian could handle the intensity of playing at the professional level, especially against seasoned players who were already vying for spots on NBA teams. These early struggles, however, became some of the most formative experiences in his career. They taught Proctor about resilience, about staying committed to his craft, and most importantly, about how to handle failure. He learned to pick himself up after tough games, to reflect on his mistakes, and to keep pushing forward.

In the NBL, Proctor quickly gained valuable skills that would serve him well when he eventually made the decision to come to the United States and join the college ranks. His ball-handling, decision-making, and leadership abilities flourished under the pressure of professional play. It was during this period that Proctor grew not only as a player but also as a person, learning the importance of maturity and mental fortitude in the face of adversity.

The Decision to Play for Duke

By 2022, Proctor’s time in the NBL had prepared him for a jump to one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball: Duke. Coach Jon Scheyer, who had taken over for the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, was looking for players who could contribute immediately, and Proctor fit the bill. His professional experience in the NBL, coupled with his high basketball IQ and maturity, made him an attractive recruit for Duke.

But joining Duke wasn’t a simple decision for Proctor. There was an undeniable pressure that came with stepping onto the stage of a program with the expectations and history of Duke basketball. The weight of the Blue Devils’ illustrious past, along with the immense talent already on the roster, made it clear that Proctor would have to prove himself, and quickly.

The pressure didn’t faze Proctor. Instead, he saw it as another challenge, much like the hurdles he had faced in the NBL. He embraced the opportunity, understanding that his path to success would require him to step out of his comfort zone once again. His first season in college basketball would be an important one, but Proctor was prepared to rise to the occasion.

The Rising Star: From Role Player to Leader

When Proctor arrived at Duke, he wasn’t immediately thrust into a starring role. With a roster full of talented players, including potential future NBA draft picks, Proctor’s early moments were spent adjusting to the faster pace and higher level of play. He was not the primary offensive weapon for the Blue Devils but quickly showed flashes of brilliance.

In the 2022-2023 season, Proctor demonstrated his ability to impact the game in many ways. His basketball IQ was evident on both ends of the floor — he was a reliable ball handler, capable of orchestrating Duke’s offense while also playing lock-down defense on opposing guards. Though not the star of the team, Proctor’s consistent play was a stabilizing force for Duke, helping them through tough stretches and key moments.

It was during this season that Proctor began to show the true scope of his potential. His ability to read the game and make plays for others elevated the entire team. His leadership off the court was also evident, as he became a vocal presence in the locker room and led by example with his work ethic and commitment to improving.

However, it wasn’t until the 2024 season that Proctor truly emerged as one of the best players in the country. Duke had a fresh new identity under Coach Scheyer, and Proctor’s development into a star player was a huge part of that. He became a primary scoring option, using his ability to drive to the basket, create for teammates, and hit clutch shots from beyond the arc. His role as a leader became more defined, and he was tasked with carrying the Blue Devils through the grind of a highly competitive college basketball season.

The Final Four Push: The Making of a Champion

As the 2024 NCAA Tournament approached, Duke was positioned as one of the favorites to make a deep run. Much of the team’s success hinged on Proctor’s ability to perform on the biggest stage. For Proctor, this was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and a commitment to his craft — all of it leading to the moment where he could finally showcase his true abilities on the national stage.

The path to the Final Four wasn’t easy. Duke faced fierce competition in the tournament, including powerhouse teams that had long been staples of NCAA basketball. In each game, Proctor proved himself time and again. In the Round of 32, Proctor hit a game-winning shot that sent Duke into the Sweet 16, an unforgettable moment that had fans chanting his name. His ability to perform under pressure became a defining characteristic of the team’s playoff run.

Throughout the tournament, Proctor showed exactly why he was the right choice for Duke’s leadership role. His scoring ability, combined with his knack for making plays in clutch moments, was the difference in several tight games. Against a tough opponent in the Elite Eight, Proctor dropped 28 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, leading Duke to a hard-fought victory.

When Duke reached the Final Four, it was a moment of celebration not just for the program, but for Proctor personally. He had arrived as a true star — a player who had faced adversity, learned from his mistakes, and grown into one of the most dominant forces in college basketball.

 From Worst to Best

Tyrese Proctor’s journey to the Final Four was a remarkable one — a path that was filled with challenges, setbacks, and ultimately, success. His experience in the NBL gave him the grit and determination needed to navigate the pressures of college basketball, while his time at Duke allowed him to develop into one of the nation’s top players.

Proctor’s story is one of resilience, reminding us that success doesn’t always come easy. For him, it wasn’t just about being a great basketball player — it was about developing the mental toughness necessary to overcome obstacles and rise to the occasion when it mattered most. His leadership on and off the court has been a cornerstone of Duke’s run to the Final Four, and as he prepares for the next stage of his career, one thing is clear: Tyrese Proctor’s professional path has firmly established him as one of the brightest young stars in college basketball today.