In the storied history of Duke basketball, there are moments that stand out not just because of their brilliance, but because of the lineage they carry. One of those moments recently occurred when Tyrese Proctor, the sophomore guard from Australia, etched his name alongside a Blue Devils legend. By making five or more three-pointers in back-to-back NCAA tournament games, Proctor became the first Duke player to do so since Jon Scheyer accomplished the feat in 2010. This accomplishment, while rooted in impressive statistics, is far more than just a statistical anomaly; it symbolizes a coming-of-age moment for a young player on a team defined by legacy, pressure, and expectations.
Tyrese Proctor’s journey to this point is already unique in itself. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Proctor came to Duke with high expectations. A skilled and savvy guard, his court vision, shooting mechanics, and basketball IQ were touted by scouts and analysts alike. As a freshman, he showed flashes of brilliance, but like many underclassmen in Division I basketball, particularly within a program like Duke, his first season was more about adjustment than dominance.
But something changed in his sophomore season. There was a noticeable shift in confidence, maturity, and offensive aggression. He began to take more control of the offense, not just as a playmaker but as a scorer. His shot selection became more purposeful, his defense more tenacious, and his ability to influence the pace of the game markedly improved. When the NCAA tournament arrived—a stage where careers are often defined—Proctor stepped up in a way that will now be remembered in Duke lore.
In back-to-back tournament games, Proctor unleashed an aerial assault that not only propelled Duke into the deeper rounds of the tournament but also ignited conversations among fans and analysts about his growth and potential. Hitting five or more three-pointers in two consecutive NCAA tournament games is no small feat. It speaks to shooting accuracy, confidence, rhythm, and the ability to perform under immense pressure. The NCAA tournament is known for its intensity—where every possession matters, and defenses tighten. For Proctor to find success from beyond the arc with such consistency is a testament to both his work ethic and mental fortitude.
To fully appreciate the gravity of what Proctor accomplished, one must revisit the name with whom he now shares this rare accomplishment: Jon Scheyer. In 2010, Scheyer was the floor general of a Duke team that would go on to win the national championship. His leadership, shooting, and clutch play were critical in that tournament run. Now the head coach of the very program he once led on the court, Scheyer’s legacy is entrenched in Duke history. For Proctor to match one of his most memorable performances during the postseason is not only symbolic but somewhat poetic.
This historic moment also signals a passing of the torch in a way. Scheyer, now at the helm as the Blue Devils’ head coach, is witnessing firsthand the rise of another sharpshooting guard under his tutelage. It’s a full-circle narrative that is as satisfying as it is promising. When a player emulates the postseason exploits of his coach, it speaks to both the development system in place and the mutual understanding between mentor and student.
Beyond the personal milestone, Proctor’s shooting outburst came at a crucial time for the team. Tournament success is heavily reliant on timely performances, and Proctor provided just that. His three-point barrage spaced the floor, drew defenders away from the paint, and opened up the offense for teammates to thrive. His shooting rhythm energized the team and demoralized opponents, a classic hallmark of high-impact guard play in March Madness.
Moreover, Proctor’s ability to replicate this feat in consecutive games under tournament pressure indicates a level of consistency that coaches crave. While many players are capable of a hot shooting night, fewer can duplicate such success when it matters most. The back-to-back nature of his performance is what places it in a rare category, and it’s what ties him to Scheyer’s 2010 run.
What also stands out is the evolution of the college game over the past decade and a half. In 2010, the three-point shot was important, but not as central to offensive schemes as it is today. Teams now prioritize spacing, tempo, and perimeter shooting more than ever. For Proctor to still emerge as the first Duke player in 14 years to achieve this speaks volumes about how special the performance truly is. Despite the modern emphasis on the three-ball, this remains a rare and elite accomplishment.
Proctor’s emergence also reflects the broader trend of international talent making significant impacts in NCAA basketball. His Australian roots, combined with his American college experience, offer a blend of styles that has clearly matured into a lethal game-time presence. Players like Proctor are redefining what it means to be a student-athlete at Duke. They’re not just prospects; they’re polished, professional-ready athletes who bring global influence and discipline to the court.
As the tournament progresses, the question becomes not just how far Duke can go, but how far Proctor can take them. In March, guards who can shoot, lead, and defend are gold. Proctor has shown he can do all three. His shooting performances have already carved out a place in the program’s record books. But they’ve also done something less quantifiable: they’ve instilled belief—in teammates, in fans, and perhaps most importantly, in himself.
Scheyer himself has spoken highly of Proctor’s growth and resilience. Coaching a player who mirrors one of your finest moments must be both surreal and satisfying. The coach-player dynamic between Scheyer and Proctor now takes on added narrative weight. The 2010 tournament, once remembered primarily for the final result and the veteran leadership of Scheyer, now reverberates in the actions of his sophomore guard. History doesn’t repeat itself exactly—but it does echo. And Proctor is that echo, ringing loud in March.
Looking ahead, this performance could be the springboard for Proctor’s NBA aspirations. Scouts pay close attention to postseason poise, shooting under pressure, and the ability to lead in high-stakes games. Proctor is checking every one of those boxes. And even if he chooses to return for another season, he’ll do so with a legacy already forming. Not every Duke player gets mentioned in the same breath as Jon Scheyer. Not every player earns that comparison through performance. Tyrese Proctor has.
His back-to-back three-point showcase also sends a message to future recruits and current teammates: legacy isn’t just about championships or draft positions. Sometimes, it’s about those magical stretches where everything aligns—where the shot feels pure, the game slows down, and you become a part of the program’s history. That’s what happened to Tyrese Proctor. In two games, he became a part of something bigger. He became a name that fans will remember, a benchmark for future Blue Devils to aim for.
Basketball, particularly in March, is filled with moments. Some last a few possessions. Some are immortalized. What Tyrese Proctor accomplished—a feat unseen at Duke since one of the program’s most beloved leaders—has already become part of the latter. The arc of a basketball shot may only last a second, but its impact can last forever. Proctor’s shots—raining down one after another—were not just threes. They were declarations. Declarations that he belongs, that he’s ready, and that he, like Scheyer before him, is a Blue Devil to remember.
