Why Tyrese Proctor’s red-hot shooting brought tears to Duke coach Jon Scheyer’s eyes

In the high-pressure world of college basketball, moments of triumph can come with a rush of emotion. For Duke University’s head coach Jon Scheyer, one such moment occurred during a critical game in the 2023 NCAA Tournament when freshman guard Tyrese Proctor displayed a performance that left not just the Blue Devils’ fans, but also Scheyer himself, in awe. Proctor’s red-hot shooting performance during the game was the catalyst for a pivotal victory, and it became the moment that brought tears to the eyes of the head coach—tears that symbolized pride, relief, and the sheer joy of witnessing his young star rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

Scheyer, who had taken over as head coach after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, was already under immense pressure. Leading one of the most storied programs in college basketball history is never easy, especially when stepping into the shoes of a coach who had been the face of the program for decades. However, Scheyer was not just a coach; he was a part of the very fabric of Duke basketball, having played for Coach K, and now leading a team that carried immense expectations for success. When his freshman guard Tyrese Proctor came alive in a crucial moment during the tournament, it was a symbolic and emotional turning point for both the coach and the team.

This article delves into the circumstances surrounding Proctor’s red-hot shooting performance, why it elicited such an emotional response from Coach Scheyer, and the significance of the moment for both the team and Scheyer’s journey as the head coach of Duke basketball.

Tyrese Proctor: A Freshman with Big Expectations

Tyrese Proctor arrived at Duke as one of the most highly-rated recruits in the country, a versatile 6’5” guard who had been widely regarded as a potential future star. A product of Australia, Proctor had gained a reputation for his all-around game—his ability to score, facilitate, and defend made him an intriguing prospect. As the 2022-2023 season began, Proctor found himself adjusting to life in the demanding world of NCAA basketball, but he quickly showed flashes of brilliance.

However, like most freshmen, Proctor experienced his share of growing pains. He faced the challenge of adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball, learning how to play under the intense pressure of a program like Duke, and navigating the high expectations that come with being one of the most highly touted recruits in recent memory. While he had his moments of brilliance, Proctor’s consistency was something that would need to develop as the season went on.

But as the NCAA Tournament approached, something clicked for the young guard. He began to find his rhythm on both ends of the court, playing with the confidence and composure that would later be on full display during his red-hot shooting performance. His contributions to Duke’s success had become undeniable, and when the lights were brightest, Proctor was ready to shine.

The Game That Changed Everything

Duke’s performance in the tournament had been a rollercoaster. As the Blue Devils advanced through the rounds, their opponents became tougher, and the stakes grew higher. The game that would forever define Proctor’s rise came during a critical moment of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. After a shaky start to the tournament, Duke faced a must-win situation in a game that would determine whether or not they would continue their march toward a national championship.

Proctor, who had already played a key role in the team’s success in previous games, found himself in the spotlight once again. The game was one of those tightly contested affairs that are often the hallmark of March Madness—high intensity, quick runs, and no room for error. Duke’s offense was struggling early, and the pressure was mounting. Coach Scheyer’s team needed someone to take charge. That’s when Tyrese Proctor caught fire.

The Red-Hot Shooting Performance

In the first half of the game, Duke’s offense was sputtering. They were missing open shots, and the team appeared to be lacking the offensive rhythm that had defined their play earlier in the season. But then, something changed. Proctor, who had been struggling with his shot throughout the early part of the tournament, began to find his range.

It started with a three-pointer—a catch-and-shoot from the top of the key that swished through the net without a second thought. Then another. And another. Proctor was lighting it up from beyond the arc, hitting three-pointers at a pace that had the crowd roaring and the opposing defense scrambling to figure out how to contain him. His confidence was growing with each make, and it was becoming clear that the young guard was playing like a seasoned veteran.

But it wasn’t just his three-point shooting. Proctor’s ability to score in different ways kept the defense guessing. Whether it was a pull-up jumper, a fast-break layup, or a nifty mid-range shot, Proctor was making every shot seem effortless. The defense couldn’t keep up. As the points piled up, Proctor’s composure and maturity were evident. He wasn’t just having a good game; he was playing like a future star—a player capable of leading Duke to the next level in March Madness.

By the time the first half concluded, Proctor had already scored over 20 points. His scoring spree was a major reason why Duke had managed to stay in the game despite earlier struggles. His performance was one of those rare moments in sports where a young player takes the reins and shows why they were so highly regarded. It was a breakout game, and it was happening right before everyone’s eyes.

Jon Scheyer’s Emotional Reaction

As Duke’s offense began to find its rhythm, much of the credit fell on Tyrese Proctor’s shoulders. His shooting was not just about putting points on the board—it was about shifting the momentum of the game, injecting life into the team, and proving to everyone, including his coach, that he was ready for the biggest stage of college basketball.

For Coach Jon Scheyer, watching Proctor’s explosion of scoring brought a flood of emotions. Scheyer, who had been Proctor’s biggest advocate from the moment he arrived on campus, had invested his heart and soul into this team. Scheyer was a coach who knew what it meant to wear the Duke jersey, and he understood the weight of expectations that came with being a Blue Devil. Now, as the head coach, it was his responsibility to guide the team through the highs and lows of the NCAA Tournament.

Watching Proctor’s growth throughout the season had been rewarding for Scheyer, but seeing his freshman guard step up in such a big moment was a moment of pure pride. It was as if Scheyer had witnessed his own hard work, along with the development of his team, come to fruition. The emotional weight of the moment—the culmination of all the hours of practice, preparation, and teaching—had finally boiled over.

When Proctor hit yet another three-pointer to extend Duke’s lead, Scheyer, overcome with emotion, wiped away tears. It was a moment of realization—his player, the one who had struggled with consistency, had just turned into a tournament hero. Scheyer knew that this moment would define both Proctor’s and the team’s journey. It was no longer just about winning a game—it was about watching a young star shine, knowing that the future of the program was in good hands.

Scheyer later explained his emotional reaction in the post-game interview. “I couldn’t help it,” he said. “Watching Tyrese hit those shots, seeing him step up like that when we needed it most, it just meant everything. I’m so proud of him. This is what we work for as coaches—to see our players grow and rise to the occasion.”

For Scheyer, the tears were not just about Proctor’s shooting; they were about what that performance represented. It was about seeing his freshman guard handle the pressure, about witnessing the fruits of his hard work, and about realizing that this was a turning point for Duke basketball under his leadership.

The Significance of Proctor’s Performance for Duke

Tyrese Proctor’s red-hot shooting performance in this pivotal tournament game had several important implications for Duke basketball. First and foremost, it proved that Proctor was capable of handling the spotlight, something that many freshmen struggle with during March Madness. Proctor had demonstrated poise, maturity, and the ability to perform in the clutch—traits that would be invaluable as Duke continued their tournament run.

Moreover, Proctor’s breakout performance was a clear indication of the depth and potential of Duke’s roster. With a balanced mix of freshmen and experienced players, Duke had the talent necessary to compete at the highest level. As Coach Scheyer looked to the future, he knew that this moment—this game—would be a defining one for his tenure as head coach.

Finally, Proctor’s shooting display exemplified what Duke basketball was all about—teamwork, discipline, and rising to the occasion when it matters most. It was a moment that highlighted the program’s tradition of excellence and its continued success in the NCAA Tournament. As Proctor’s performance propelled Duke to a crucial victory, the Blue Devils’ hopes of advancing deep into the tournament were now firmly in their grasp.