In a heartfelt interview that sent waves through the Duke basketball community, former Blue Devils legend Grant Hill opened up about the ever-evolving legacy of Duke players making the jump to the NBA. Sitting courtside at Cameron Indoor, Hill—now a respected NBA analyst and co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks—spoke with warmth and insight about Tyrese Proctor’s draft declaration and the dawning stardom of freshman sensation Cooper Flagg.
“Tyrese is ready,” Hill began confidently. “He’s grown so much in the past two seasons—mentally, physically, emotionally. He reminds me of those guards who just quietly study the game and then suddenly dominate it. The NBA will appreciate that.” Proctor, who declared for the draft last week, averaged 13 points and 5 assists in his sophomore season, but Hill believes it’s the intangibles that will carry him further than stats ever could.
Hill, who made his own NBA leap after helping Duke win back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992, admitted he sees a lot of himself in Proctor. “He plays with poise. He’s not rattled by pressure. That’s what we were taught here—how to lead, how to endure. I think the league will find out quickly how special he is.
But as one Blue Devil prepares to exit, another is taking over. Cooper Flagg, the freshman phenom with a viral reputation and a mountain of expectations, has captured national attention with his all-around brilliance. “He’s the kind of player that comes along once in a generation,” Hill said. “What I love is that he’s not just a highlight reel—he’s a worker. You watch him, and you know he’s not satisfied with just being good.”
Hill was particularly impressed with Flagg’s leadership despite being only 18. “You can already tell guys look to him. That’s rare at this level. And for him to embrace the weight of the Duke jersey, the legacy, and still perform—it says a lot about who he is.”
When asked what he expects from Flagg this season, Hill didn’t hold back. “If he stays healthy and keeps this pace, he could be the No. 1 pick in 2026. But more than that, I think he has a real shot at leading Duke back to a national title. That’s the standard here, and he gets that.”
Hill also reflected on the pressure young stars face in today’s media-fueled era. “It’s a different world now,” he admitted. “But Cooper has handled it with a grace that’s beyond his years. He’s focused, grounded, and he’s got a great support system. That’s huge.”
The conversation turned emotional as Hill smiled at the thought of Duke’s legacy continuing to evolve. “I look at Tyrese, I look at Cooper, and I see the bridge from our era to this new one. It’s beautiful, really. Different styles, different stories, but the same heart.”
As he stood up to leave, Hill glanced at the Cameron banners above and nodded. “These kids are writing their own history. That’s what Duke is about—passing the torch, chasing greatness, and always, always believing in what comes next.”
