The Duke basketball program is expected to lose a significant portion of its rotation this season, primarily due to players entering the NBA Draft. Freshmen Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach are all projected to be top-ten picks. Sion James will also be leaving, as he will be out of eligibility after this season, and is expected to be taken in the second round. Freshman Isaiah Evans faces an important choice between returning to Duke or declaring for the draft. Reports also suggest that Evans would receive considerable interest if he opts to enter the transfer portal.
Tyrese Proctor, Duke’s junior lead guard, will also need to make a tough decision after this season. Proctor is having his best year as a Blue Devil, posting career highs in points per game (12.5), field goal percentage (45.7%), and three-point percentage (41.2%) this season.
Despite his strong performance as an elite scorer, Proctor is mostly projected to be a mid to late second-round pick, with some mock drafts even having him go undrafted.
Here’s where some outlets have Proctor being selected if he declares for the 2025 NBA Draft:
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ESPN: 43rd overall
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NBA.com: 43rd overall
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Bleacher Report: 43rd overall
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CBS Sports: undrafted
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Sports Illustrated: undrafted
Although Proctor is not heavily favored in most mock drafts, his outstanding play in the NCAA Tournament provides an excellent opportunity to boost his stock. Through Duke’s four tournament games, Proctor is averaging 17 points per game, shooting an impressive 67.5% from the field and 64% from three. March Madness can significantly impact a player’s draft prospects, and Proctor is seizing that opportunity.
In addition to his scoring ability, Proctor has also demonstrated strong defensive skills, particularly for a 6’6″ guard. He is an excellent perimeter defender with quick hands and uses his size well to contest shots and disrupt drives.
The main concern regarding his draft stock is his playmaking ability, as Proctor is averaging a career-low 2.2 assists per game this season. While he has been more aggressive as a scorer, playing off the ball at times, he hasn’t showcased much strength in passing.
As the Final Four and postseason play unfold, it will be interesting to see whether Proctor’s draft stock rises based on his performance in the tournament. Regardless, Proctor and head coach Jon Scheyer will need to have some serious discussions about what’s best for his future. While Scheyer and the program would likely love for Proctor to return for another year, Proctor will have to weigh whether entering the NBA Draft is the right move, especially if he remains a second-round pick at best.
Given the current NIL situation in college basketball and the reality that most second-round picks end up with two-way or non-guaranteed contracts, Proctor could potentially earn more money staying in college next season than by entering the NBA Draft.
Proctor’s situation will likely be similar to that of Alabama’s Mark Sears last year, who tested the NBA waters but ultimately returned to college, as he could make significantly more money by staying in school rather than settling for a second-round pick or undrafted free agent status.
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