“If I’m an NBA team, I’m going after him” Words that Blue Devils’ HC Jon Scheyer uttered in the press conference speak volumes about Tyrese Proctor. Duke has been a budding ground for many NBA All-star level players and the 2024-25 season proved hardly any different with Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel, Caleb Foster, and of course, Proctor. Leader of the side, coach’s right-hand man, effective and efficient like a Swiss knife.

Tyrese, ‘CJ’ as famously known, has shown great maturity, determination, and understanding of the game that made the 2024-25 Duke basketball side a team to beat. With career-high average of 10.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds, it’s easy to see him as a role player, but against tougher opponents, Tyrese is known to bail the team out.

Coach Scheyer, who spent three seasons with CJ had nothing but praise for the youngster. “I think it’s what I’m most proud of, or as proud as anything, with the journey Tyrese and I have been on because it’s harder to go through those journeys now.”

But how is this maturity developed at this young age? The answer of this might be in his childhood. Tyrese Proctor’s is son of Roderick ‘Rod’ Proctor and Melissa. Dive deeper into Tyrese Proctor’s family details and the impact of his parents on his development.

Who is Tyrese Proctor’s Father Rodrick? Was He a Professional Basketball Player?

“Tyrese had a ball in his hand at two,” his dad recalled. He has since grown to be a sharp shooter and elite ball handler. But what influenced the young Proctor to get his hands on the ball? His father, Roderick ‘Rod’ Proctor, was born in Mississippi and was a standout point guard at Mississippi College from 1990 to 1994. Playmaker ‘Rod’ had 283 assists with an average of 2.6 assists per game.

Later, he moved to the Australian League, played for Bankstown Bruins, and became the captain of the West Sydney Slammer in 1997. Over his remarkable 18-season career in Australia, Rod won many prestigious awards like the NSW State League Player of the Year Award, Peter Lopez Most Inspirational Player Award. Rod also won the Golden Hands Award – a reward for his playmaking abilities. With three consecutive Waratah League Championships with Sydney Comets, Roderick cemented his legacy in NBL.

Years in, he took the role of Coaching Director and Skills/Development Manager for the Bankstown Basketball Association in 2023. Lauding his impact on Tyrese’s game, the youngster said, “Definitely my dad. Dad’s had a big impact on my basketball career and also my personal life.“

Who is Tyrese Proctor’s Mother?

Melissa Proctor is Tyrese Proctor’s mother. Hailing from Australia, Melissa Proctor spent most of her life ‘Down Under’. She’s the Principal at Greenacre Public School in Greenacre, New South Wales and is passionate about public education. Before that, she worked at Bass Hill Public School in Bass Hill, New South Wales. A woman with a strong work ethic and impactful leadership also earned her a scholarship from the Harvard Club of Australia.

Although her effect on Tyrese’s game remains publicly unknown, we can say with certainty that she is a proud mom. Every game, every milestone, and every event, she has ensured to applaud her son on social media.

“It’s hard to put into words how proud I am of you and the work you have put in this year Tyrese! Enjoy the moment. 1 championship down and still 1 to go! Love you more than you know!” she wrote as the Duke Blue Devils clinched the ACC 2024-25 championship. No shortage of love and support for Duke #5.