Duke basketball: Jared McCain ‘hyped’ to finally play with Tyrese Proctor

Duke basketball guard Jared McCain is excited that Tyrese Proctor is returning.

Jared McCain and Tyrese Proctor were supposed to headline the Duke basketball backcourt in 2023-24 but those plans were in doubt following Proctor’s reclassification to 2022.

However, the two will officially be teaming up in Durham next season and the incoming freshman is excited for the opportunity.

McCain told reporters on Monday that he received the news that Proctor announced his return to Duke shortly after he finished practice at the McDonald’s All-American Game and was “hyped” when he found out.

“I was wondering what he was going to do,” McCain continued.

Tyrese Proctor showcased his abilities to play at the next level throughout the latter stages of the season for the Blue Devils but no game individually shined brighter than his 16-point, 6-assist showing against Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament.

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The Australian native averaged 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game as a freshman while shooting 38.1-percent from the field and 32.0-percent from 3-point range.

“I’m just excited to get out there and play with him,” McCain said.

Jared McCain, a five-star shooting guard from Centennial High School (Calif.), showcased what he can bring to next year’s Duke team after winning the McDonald’s All-American Game 3-point shootout on Monday night by making 19-of-25 attempts.

McCain is ranked as the No. 15 player in the Class of 2023, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, and the top player in the state of California.

Duke basketball backcourt duo already has connection

The connection between Tyrese Proctor and Jared McCain is already building after the two thought they would both be freshmen in Durham at the same time.

Proctor was initially a member of Jon Scheyer’s 2023 recruiting class before reclassifying a year early and joining junior Jeremy Roach in the Blue Devil backcourt after he completed his responsibilities with the Australian Men’s National Team.

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“I think he’s a great leader for this team,” McCain said of Proctor.

Jared McCain joins Caleb Foster, Sean Stewart, Mackenzie Mgbako, and TJ Power in Duke’s recruiting class this fall, ranked No. 2 in the country by 247Sports.

“I think I can help him with this team, so I’m excited.”

Duke is still awaiting official decisions from the rest of its roster regarding its future.