
19
Apr
Aussies in the NBA
Tyrese Proctor declares for 2025 NBA Draft
Australian guard Tyrese Proctor declares for 2025 NBA Draft after stellar NCAAM Duke career
- Tyrese Proctor has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after three seasons with Duke
- The Australian guard averaged 12.4 points while shooting 40.5% from three-point range in his final season
- Proctor helped lead Duke to the Final Four in the 2025 NCAA Tournament before falling to Houston
Tyrese Proctor, Australian guard for Duke University, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft following a standout Junior season with the Blue Devils.
The Sydney-born guard has spent his entire three-year collegiate career at Duke, developing into one of the ACC's most reliable perimeter threats.
His decision to enter the draft comes after helping the Blue Devils compile an outstanding 35-4 record during the 2024-25 campaign, which culminated in a Final Four appearance.
"For me, I couldn't be more proud of Tyrese with what he's done this season but also so excited for him with this next step that he's going to make," Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said.
"It's time for him to chase that NBA dream."
Rising Star from Down Under
Proctor emerged as an integral piece in Duke's success this season, earning All-ACC third team honours while displaying exceptional shooting efficiency.
The 21-year-old averaged 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, shooting an efficient 45.2 per cent from the field and a stellar 40.5 per cent from three-point territory.
His sharpshooting abilities placed him among the ACC's elite, with his 2.3 three-pointers per game ranking fourth across the conference. This marked significant improvement from his earlier seasons at Duke, where he shot 32.0 per cent and 35.2 per cent from beyond the arc in his freshman and sophomore years respectively.
Proctor's development as a player has been remarkable. Upon arriving at Duke for the 2022-23 season, he immediately earned a starting role, appearing in 34 of 36 games while averaging 9.4 points. His playmaking was on display from the start, dishing out 3.3 assists per game in his first collegiate season – a number that remained consistently strong throughout his time with the Blue Devils.
Tournament Performance
Despite a disappointing seven-point showing on 2-of-8 shooting in Duke's Final Four defeat to Houston, Proctor was exceptional throughout the tournament. He averaged 17.0 points per game while shooting a blistering 64.0 per cent from three-point range in his first four March Madness appearances in 2025.
This tournament performance showcased Proctor's ability to elevate his game when the stakes were highest – an attribute NBA scouts value highly in prospective draftees. His consistent improvement over three seasons at Duke demonstrates both his work ethic and basketball IQ.
NBA Prospects
According to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, Proctor is projected as the 40th overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, potentially heading to the Washington Wizards. While he had the option to return to Duke for his senior season, the Australian has chosen to test the professional waters.
Throughout his collegiate career, Proctor has displayed a well-rounded game that could translate effectively to the next level. His career averages of 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 106 games (97 starts) showcase his consistency, while his improved shooting percentages (42.1 per cent career field goal percentage) demonstrate his development as a scorer.
Proctor's defensive capabilities should not be overlooked either, as he averaged nearly one steal per game (0.7) during his time at Duke. His combination of size, shooting ability, and basketball IQ makes him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams looking to add backcourt depth.
Legacy at Duke
Proctor leaves Duke having scored 1,143 points over three seasons, connecting on 194 three-pointers at a 36.5 per cent clip. He appeared in 106 games for the Blue Devils, starting 97 of them – a testament to his importance within the program.
His progression from a promising freshman to an All-ACC performer highlights the developmental aspects of his game. Each season saw Proctor improve his scoring average and shooting efficiency, culminating in his standout junior campaign.
As Proctor prepares for the pre-draft process, he'll aim to solidify his standing among NBA executives while representing Australian basketball on the global stage. His journey from Duke to the NBA draft continues a strong tradition of Australian guards making the leap to professional basketball in the United States.
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