2025 NBA Draft: Will Duke Basketball Retain Tyrese Proctor for His Senior Year?
Tyrese Proctor faces a significant decision at the end of this season regarding his future with Duke basketball.
The Blue Devils are expected to see major roster turnover, primarily due to the NBA Draft. Freshmen Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach are projected top-ten picks, while senior Sion James, who has exhausted his eligibility, is likely to be selected in the second round. Additionally, freshman Isaiah Evans must decide between returning to Duke or testing the NBA waters, with reports suggesting strong interest if he enters the transfer portal.
Proctor, Duke’s junior lead guard, is enjoying his best season yet, posting career highs in points per game (12.5), field goal percentage (45.7%), and three-point shooting (41.2%). Despite his offensive efficiency, draft projections currently place him in the mid-to-late second round, with some mock drafts even predicting he could go undrafted:
- ESPN: 43rd overall
- NBA.com: 43rd overall
- Bleacher Report: 43rd overall
- CBS Sports: Undrafted
- Sports Illustrated: Undrafted
While these projections may not be ideal, Proctor has a chance to significantly improve his stock through his stellar NCAA Tournament performance. Over Duke’s four tournament games, he has averaged 17 points per game on an incredible 67.5% shooting from the field and 64% from three-point range. A deep tournament run could further solidify his case as an NBA prospect.
Beyond his scoring ability, Proctor has demonstrated strong defensive skills at 6-foot-6, excelling as a perimeter defender with good hands and solid on-ball pressure. However, his playmaking remains a concern, as he is averaging a career-low 2.2 assists per game. His increased scoring focus this season has limited his passing opportunities, which may affect his draft evaluation.
As the Final Four and postseason progress, Proctor’s draft stock remains fluid. Regardless of where he stands by the season’s end, he and head coach Jon Scheyer will need to weigh the benefits of entering the NBA Draft versus returning for another year at Duke.
Given the current NIL landscape in college basketball, staying at Duke could be financially advantageous. Most second-round picks receive two-way or non-guaranteed contracts, meaning Proctor would likely earn more through NIL deals in college than as a second-round selection or undrafted free agent.
His situation closely mirrors that of Alabama’s Mark Sears, who tested the draft process but ultimately returned to college, securing a better financial outcome. Whether Proctor follows a similar path remains to be seen, but his decision will be one of Duke’s most crucial offseason storylines.
