Two More Blue Devils Join NBA Ranks as Sion James and Tyrese Proctor Continue Duke’s Rich Tradition of Pro Talent
After waiting a day following the initial wave of NBA Draft announcements, the Duke Blue Devils saw two more of their own step into the spotlight and secure their futures in professional basketball. Sion James and Tyrese Proctor officially made their entry into the league, becoming the fourth and fifth players from Duke to declare this year. Their decisions not only cemented their own paths to potential stardom but also underscored the continued dominance of the Duke basketball program in producing NBA-caliber talent.
Tyrese Proctor’s announcement was anticipated by many. Since his arrival at Duke, the Australian guard had drawn attention from scouts for his maturity, court vision, and ability to command an offense. While he chose to return for his sophomore season in 2024–25, Proctor used the extra year to polish his game, refine his decision-making, and improve his shooting mechanics. That commitment to development paid dividends, as his draft stock steadily rose throughout the college season.
Proctor’s sophomore campaign saw him average 14.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, earning him All-ACC Second Team honors. His leadership on the floor, especially in tight conference games, set him apart. Whether it was orchestrating the pick-and-roll or delivering clutch perimeter shooting, Proctor’s growth from a young prospect into a reliable two-way guard was evident. Scouts lauded his defensive instincts as well—particularly his lateral quickness and anticipation in disrupting passing lanes.
What made Proctor’s draft declaration so impactful was his unique blend of international experience and collegiate polish. Having played for the Australian national team in youth competitions and now adding two years of high-level NCAA experience, Proctor represented a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect for any NBA team needing backcourt stability. He ended up being selected in the mid-to-late first round, going to a franchise looking to shore up its bench with playmaking depth and future starting potential.
Sion James, on the other hand, represented a different type of journey to the NBA. A transfer to Duke from Tulane, James was known more for his toughness, leadership, and defensive prowess than flashy offensive numbers. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 215 pounds, James brought a physicality and versatility to the wing that was valuable in high-stakes ACC matchups. His role at Duke wasn’t as a primary scorer but rather as a glue guy—someone who could defend multiple positions, rebound, and make winning plays without demanding the spotlight.
In his lone season at Duke, James averaged 8.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, but his contributions extended beyond the stat sheet. Head coach Jon Scheyer often relied on James to guard the opponent’s best wing player, and he frequently drew praise for his communication and composure in high-pressure moments. NBA scouts saw shades of players like Bruce Brown and Josh Hart in his game—tough, smart, and unselfish wings who thrive in team-oriented systems.
James’ decision to enter the draft was a testament to how much the league values role players who understand their identity and stay within it. He was selected early in the second round by a playoff-caliber team looking to add defensive depth and maturity to its rotation. While he may not project as a star, his immediate readiness and defensive versatility make him a strong candidate to earn minutes right away, especially in a league increasingly focused on two-way wing players.
The addition of James and Proctor to this year’s draft class made it five Duke players entering the NBA ranks, highlighting once again the unmatched talent pipeline out of Durham. Joining fellow Blue Devils like Jared McCain, Kyle Filipowski, and Mark Mitchell—who had already declared earlier—this group signals a new wave of Duke alumni preparing to make their mark on the league.
What’s particularly notable is the variety of roles these players project to fill. From McCain’s sharpshooting and scoring instincts to Filipowski’s inside-out offensive game and now to Proctor’s playmaking and James’ defensive edge, this year’s class offers a comprehensive snapshot of what Duke basketball has become under Scheyer’s leadership: a balanced, professional-minded program preparing athletes for all aspects of NBA life.
This development is not only a boon for the players themselves but also serves as a recruiting goldmine for Duke. Young prospects considering where to spend their college years are always watching the NBA Draft. They pay close attention to which programs are producing not just lottery picks, but players across all rounds who go on to find roles in the NBA. Having five players enter the professional ranks in one season is a huge endorsement of Duke’s player development, culture, and readiness to mold athletes into professionals.
The announcements of James and Proctor came with considerable fanfare from the Duke community and beyond. Proctor’s Instagram post featured a heartfelt message thanking the Blue Devil fanbase, his coaches, and his family, saying, “Durham became home, and I’ll carry everything I learned here with me forever.” Meanwhile, James expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear the Duke jersey and noted how his transfer year “meant the world and pushed [him] to be better every single day.”
Social media lit up with reactions from former Duke stars, NBA analysts, and fans. Many were especially excited about Proctor’s pro prospects, with comparisons floating around to players like Tyrese Haliburton and Jrue Holiday due to his poise and two-way ability. While those are lofty comparisons, they’re not unreasonable when considering the maturity and skill Proctor already possesses at 20 years old.
James, while less heralded by mainstream media, drew praise from NBA insiders for his likely immediate impact. “He’s the kind of player coaches fall in love with,” one scout noted. “Doesn’t need the ball, plays hard, defends, rebounds, and doesn’t make mistakes.”
Both players’ paths to the NBA highlight the different roads a college player can take to the professional level. Proctor was a highly touted recruit who took the traditional route of development within the same program. James, meanwhile, transferred to a higher-profile school and made the most of a single season under a bright spotlight. Their journeys, while different, converge now at the doorstep of the NBA—a league that values both talent and character.
Looking ahead, both Proctor and James have opportunities to carve out long, impactful careers in the NBA. Proctor’s future might include becoming a full-time starter, especially if he continues to build on his offensive arsenal and becomes a more consistent perimeter shooter. James, on the other hand, will likely thrive in defensive matchups, spot starts, and high-intensity playoff minutes, where his toughness and IQ will be assets.
Duke, for its part, will surely miss the presence of both players. Proctor had become a fan favorite and was expected to lead the team in his junior season. James’ leadership and versatility were crucial pieces of Duke’s defensive identity. But in college basketball, especially at elite programs like Duke, change is constant—and so is the preparation for the next generation of stars.
In the end, the 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered not only for its top-tier talent but also for its continued validation of Duke’s role as a premier basketball factory. With Sion James and Tyrese Proctor now stepping into the professional arena, the program once again affirms its place at the epicenter of collegiate basketball success and NBA readiness.
For the Blue Devils faithful, there’s pride in watching another batch of players leave the Cameron Indoor hardwood and step onto NBA floors. And for Proctor and James, their time at Duke has ended—but their professional careers are just beginning.
