Going into last season’s Sweet 16 matchup against top-seeded Houston, analysts and fans around the country questioned whether the Duke Blue Devils could physically and emotionally handle a game against the tough Cougars team.
Forty minutes later, head coach [autotag]Jon Scheyer[/autotag] and his team left the American Airlines Center in Dallas with a 54-51 victory and a ticket to the Elite Eight.
During junior [autotag]Tyrese Proctor[/autotag]’s Wednesday press conference at ACC Tipoff, the Australian was asked about those questions and how the Blue Devils proved them wrong against Houston. The third-year starter didn’t sound particularly phased.
“We hear the narrative every year since I’ve been here that we’re not tough,” Proctor said. “I’ve individually had conversations with guys, and as a team, we’ve had conversations just making sure we’re always together no matter what the situation is, all the expectations that come with being at Duke…I think it’s important we just stay together within our locker room.”
While the players dismissed the noise as simply that, Scheyer took plenty of time to defend his roster after that statement win over Houston.
“Try being at Duke as a freshman and sophomore and battling your ass off in the tournament and then talk to me about being tough,” Scheyer said back in March. “For me, these guys have shown every step of the way how tough they are mentally, physically.”
On Wednesday, Proctor made it clear that he appreciates playing for a coach willing to go to bat for him in big moments.
“I mean, that’s what you want, I have full trust in Coach and Coach has full trust in me,” Proctor said. “He’s going to be honest with you.”