Despite Duke Star’s Departure, Head Coach Scheyer Confirms Two Key Players Remain Committed; Decision Looms for Khaman Maluach
In the midst of a major offseason shake-up, Duke men’s basketball is bracing for both losses and promising returns. With five-star prospect and projected NBA lottery pick Khaman Maluach expected to announce his departure, all eyes are now on the future of the Blue Devils’ roster.
Head coach Jon Scheyer, however, is keeping spirits high in Durham with the announcement that two key players — Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster — remain committed to the program for the 2025 season.
The news of Maluach’s pending decision comes as no surprise to those closely following his trajectory. The 7-foot-2 center from South Sudan has been on the radar of NBA scouts for the past year and is expected to forgo his college eligibility in favor of entering the 2025 NBA Draft.
While Duke fans were hopeful he might suit up in Cameron Indoor Stadium, Maluach’s departure, though disappointing, doesn’t leave the Blue Devils empty-handed.
That’s because Scheyer is holding onto two of his most promising young guards in Proctor and Foster. Tyrese Proctor, the 6-foot-5 Australian playmaker, had previously flirted with the idea of entering the draft himself. However, after careful consideration and conversations with Duke’s coaching staff, he has decided to return for another season to further refine his game and lead the team as a veteran presence in the backcourt.
“I believe in what we’re building here,” Proctor shared in a statement. “Coach Scheyer has a vision, and I want to be a part of that. There’s unfinished business, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Joining him in that commitment is sophomore guard Caleb Foster, whose freshman campaign was interrupted by injuries but showed flashes of elite scoring and defensive potential. Foster’s decision to return gives Duke a dynamic duo in the backcourt with the versatility and experience needed to navigate a tough ACC schedule.
Coach Scheyer, speaking to the media this week, expressed confidence in the direction of the team despite Maluach’s likely exit.
“Of course, we would’ve loved to have Khaman in a Duke uniform,” Scheyer said. “He’s an incredible talent, and we wish him nothing but the
