BREAKING: Former Blue Devils star and Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has officially joined Duke University as a volunteer mentor, enhancing the program’s development efforts. The announcement was made on October 3, 2023, as Tatum recovers from a ruptured right Achilles’ tendon sustained during the NBA playoffs in May 2023.
This urgent update signals a significant evolution for Duke’s basketball program, with Tatum stepping in as the new “chief basketball officer.” His role will include hands-on mentorship, focusing on athlete development, professionalism, and team culture. Tatum’s commitment involves in-person visits, virtual meetings, and direct engagement with players, including discussions on career management and personal branding.
Tatum’s involvement comes at a pivotal time for the Blue Devils, who are known for producing top-tier NBA talent, including recent standout Cooper Flagg, the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick and AP National College Player of the Year. Head coach Jon Scheyer expressed enthusiasm about Tatum’s role, emphasizing the importance of connecting former players with the current team’s culture.
“This program has always been about pushing the game forward,” Scheyer stated. “Jayson has been incredibly loyal to Duke since the day he committed, and this evolution represents the next step in how we connect The Brotherhood to the future of our players. His ability to inspire, motivate, and guide our student-athletes is unmatched.”
Tatum, who played one season at Duke before being selected as the No. 3 overall draft pick, shared his excitement about formalizing his relationship with the program. “This program means so much to me, and I had an unbelievable time here,” he said. “To have the chance to broaden my ability to impact the players and culture means the world to me.”
As Tatum attends Duke’s “Countdown to Craziness” preseason event, fans are eager to see how his mentorship will influence the team this season. With Duke’s history of producing NBA stars, Tatum’s insights and experience are expected to inspire the next generation of players and elevate their performance on and off the court.
Stay tuned for more updates as Tatum embarks on this impactful journey with Duke Basketball. His presence is poised to create a ripple effect in the program, shaping the future of collegiate basketball at Duke.