Jayson Tatum Takes on Key Role in Duke Basketball Program
Former Blue Devils player and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will lend his support to the Duke basketball team. The university announced on Tuesday that the six-time NBA All-Star will take on a voluntary advisory role for the program as a “chief basketball officer.” Tatum is currently recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in May during the NBA playoffs. In the statement, the university detailed that Tatum’s tasks will include in-person visits to the team to discuss topics such as development, professionalism, and team culture, as well as mentoring athletes in areas such as career management, building a personal brand, or managing the time demands as a college athlete. Tatum will also participate in periodic virtual meetings with the team or discuss the construction of the roster with coach Jon Scheyer, in a program that regularly produces high-level talent for the NBA, including the potential No. 1 pick of the 2025 draft and Associated Press National College Player of the Year, Cooper Flagg. Tatum attended Duke’s “Countdown to Craziness” preseason event on Friday, at a season-opening ceremony, where Scheyer told the fans that Tatum would help the program in the coming months.“Your ability to inspire, motivate, and guide our student-athletes is unparalleled, and I couldn’t be more excited to see the impact you will have on our team and our culture.” Tatum was a one-and-done star for the Blue Devils during the 2016-17 season before becoming the third draft pick. Tatum became one of the best players in the NBA and helped Boston win the 2024 championship.“This program has always been about advancing the game,” Scheyer said in Tuesday’s statement. “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’ with the future of our players. Jayson is the ultimate professional.”
Jon Scheyer
“As former players, we all share the responsibility of supporting the next generation of Duke Basketball.”“This program means a lot to me, and I had an incredible experience here,” Tatum said in a statement. “I watch every game, I come back whenever I can, and I connect with Coach Scheyer often. Having the opportunity to formalize my relationship with the program and expand my ability to impact the players and the culture means a lot to me.”
Jayson Tatum
