When Tyrese Proctor hobbled off the floor during No. 2 Duke’s 97-60 win over Miami (FL) on Tuesday night, it appeared as though the junior guard’s season was over. Proctor was diagnosed with a bone bruise, and head coach Jon Scheyer was quick to assure the media and the Blue Devil’s fanbase that Proctor would return this season, but he won’t be suiting up on Saturday night in Durham.
On ESPN’s College Gameday from Gainesville, Florida on Saturday morning, Pete Thamel reported that Proctor is out for Duke’s matchup with Florida State from Cameron Indoor Stadium at 7:00 p.m. ET. Thamel added, though, that Proctor is close to returning and backed up Scheyer’s claim that he will return this season. Thamel reported that it's a matter of pain tolerance for Proctor, not concerns about structural damage to his knee or further injury.
On a freshman-laden team, Proctor adds is an experienced presence, part of last season’s Elite Eight run. Proctor is third on the team in scoring, averaging just under 12 points a game, and adds secondary offensive creation alongside Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. While Proctor is a crucial piece for Duke’s long-term goal of winning a national championship, the Blue Devils should survive without him temporarily.
Duke has three games remaining this regular season, including Saturday night’s contest with the Seminoles, and none are against ranked opponents. The Blue Devils are a game up on Clemson for the ACC regular season title and the top seed in the conference tournament.
6-foot-6 freshman guard Isaiah Evans will see increased minutes in Proctor’s stead, and that’s not a bad thing for Scheyer’s squad. One of the best shooters on the roster, Evans is riding his best three-game stretch of the season with 17 points against Virginia on 5-6 shooting from three, 17 more last weekend at Madison Square Garden against Illinois, and 16 on Tuesday night.
Scheyer’s group may need Evans’ shooting in the postseason, so his continued development could be the silver lining to Proctor’s unfortunately timed injury. With or without Proctor, Duke can beat Florida State and is the clear favorite to win the ACC Tournament. Evans's growth gives the junior time to get healthy before March Madness.