UPDATE: Duke University has announced that former Blue Devils star and current Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum will serve as the program’s first Chief Basketball Officer. The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the university’s basketball program as Tatum is currently recovering from a ruptured right Achilles’ tendon suffered in May 2024 during the NBA playoffs.
In this newly created volunteer advisory role, Tatum will play a hands-on part in mentoring Duke’s student-athletes. His responsibilities include in-person visits to discuss player development, professionalism, and team culture, as well as guiding athletes in career management and personal branding. Tatum will also participate in virtual team meetings and collaborate with head coach Jon Scheyer on roster construction.
Tatum’s involvement comes at a critical time for Duke, which continues to produce top NBA talent, including last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick and Associated Press national college player of the year, Cooper Flagg. Tatum’s official role was announced during Duke’s “Countdown to Craziness” preseason event last Friday, where Coach Scheyer expressed enthusiasm for Tatum’s contributions.
“This program has always been about pushing the game forward,” Scheyer stated in the release. “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, and I could not be more excited to see the impact he will have on our team and our culture.”
Tatum, who had a standout one-and-done season with Duke in 2016-2017 before being selected as the No. 3 overall draft pick, expressed his deep connection to the program in his own statement. “This program means so much to me, and I had an unbelievable time here,” Tatum said. “I already watch every game, come back whenever I can, and connect with Coach Scheyer often. To have the chance to formalize my relationship with the program and broaden my ability to impact the players and culture means the world to me.”
As Tatum transitions into this vital mentorship role, the impact on Duke’s basketball program is expected to be profound. Fans and players alike are eager to see how Tatum’s experiences and insights will shape the next generation of Blue Devils.
Stay tuned for further updates as Tatum embarks on this new chapter with Duke basketball, bringing his championship-winning mindset and professional expertise to the program.
