Duke guard Tyrese Proctor is expected to return this season despite suffering a left knee injury during Tuesday night’s game against Miami. Head coach Jon Scheyer provided an update, confirming that imaging revealed a bone bruise but no structural damage. This news brings relief to Duke fans, as Proctor remains a key part of the Blue Devils’ push for an ACC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Injury Update: No Structural Damage for Proctor
During Wednesday night’s radio show, Coach Jon Scheyer reassured fans that Proctor’s injury isn’t as severe as initially feared.
“Basically, it’s about his pain tolerance, movement, and strengthening,” Scheyer explained. “We’ll be very cautious and smart about it. I don’t want to set an exact timetable, but the most important thing is that we’re going to get him back.”
Proctor sustained the injury late in the first half against Miami. While defending a fast break, his left leg appeared to buckle as he planted his foot. He immediately grimaced in pain and hobbled off the court, disappearing into the tunnel with just 36.3 seconds left before halftime.
Duke’s medical staff quickly evaluated Proctor, and while he did not return to the game, his teammates picked up the slack, securing a dominant 97-60 victory over the Hurricanes.
Proctor’s Impact: A Vital Piece for Duke
Before his injury, Tyrese Proctor had been an essential part of Duke’s success this season. In just 14 minutes against Miami, he scored seven points, surpassing the 1,000-point milestone for his Duke career.
Proctor has been a mainstay in Duke’s lineup, starting 87 games over the past three seasons—all under Coach Scheyer. This season, he’s averaging 11.8 points per game, making him Duke’s third-leading scorer behind Cooper Flagg (19.4 PPG) and Kon Knueppel (13.5 PPG).
Beyond his scoring ability, Proctor leads Duke in three-pointers this season, knocking down 64 from beyond the arc. His shooting, experience, and leadership make him a crucial piece of Duke’s championship aspirations.
Coach Scheyer emphasized just how much Proctor’s presence means to the team:
“He’s the guy that’s been through it all. And vice versa. I’ve been right there with him. Look, he’s had way more ups than downs. As a player, he’s 79-21. He’s been a key guy for us since the get-go.”
What’s Next for Duke and Proctor’s Recovery?
With three regular-season games left, Duke remains at the top of the ACC standings. The Blue Devils (25-3, 16-1 ACC) will face:
- Florida State (March 2) – Home
- Wake Forest (March 4) – Home
- North Carolina (March 8) – Away
After that, the ACC Tournament begins on March 13, where Duke is expected to open play in the quarterfinals. If the team makes a deep run, they could be playing three straight days, culminating in the ACC Championship Game on March 16.
Then comes the NCAA Tournament, where Duke is projected as a No. 1 seed and a top contender for the national title. Their first March Madness game will take place on either March 20 or March 21.
Duke Managing Injuries Down the Stretch
While Proctor’s return is expected, Duke is also monitoring the status of Maliq Brown, a key reserve who dislocated his shoulder on February 17 against Virginia. Like Proctor, Brown is also expected back this season, but the coaching staff is being cautious with his recovery.
With Proctor on the mend, the Blue Devils will likely rely on Isaiah Evans, who started the second half in Proctor’s absence against Miami. Evans, along with Knueppel and Flagg, will need to step up in the coming weeks as Duke prepares for postseason play.
Final Thoughts: Duke Needs Proctor for a Championship Run
The news of Proctor’s injury being just a bone bruise is a big relief for Duke fans. While his exact return date remains uncertain, the fact that he’s expected back means Duke can breathe easier as they push for an ACC title and a deep March Madness run.
With his experience, scoring ability, and leadership, Tyrese Proctor will be a crucial piece when he returns. If he can recover in time for the ACC Tournament or the early rounds of March Madness, Duke’s championship hopes remain very much alive.
For now, it’s all about pain management, movement, and strengthening—and knowing Proctor’s toughness, fans can expect to see him back in action sooner rather than later.