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Jayson Tatum assigned new role with Duke's staff

Headshot for ACCNby: ConorONeill10/07/25ConorONeill_DI
Jayson Tatum at Duke
Jayson Tatum, second from left, sits with Jon Scheyer and Duke recruiting targets Jordan Smith Jr. (gray sweatshirt) and Cameron Williams (over Scheyer's left shoulder). (Conor O'Neill/Devils Illustrated)

Jayson Tatum will be the chief basketball officer for Duke’s men’s basketball team this season.

Per news release, Tatum will volunteer his time as a special advisor to Duke coach Jon Scheyer.

“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to be Duke’s first Chief Basketball Officer,” Tatum said through a news release. “This program means so much to me, and I had an unbelievable time here. 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 former players, we all share the responsibility of supporting the next generation of Duke Basketball.”

The former Blue Devil and four-time All-NBA first-team selection was a surprise attendee of Countdown to Craziness on Friday night. Tatum was introduced to the crowd by Scheyer, who said of Tatum, “he’s going to helping us this year.”

“We are honored to welcome Jayson Tatum as our Chief Basketball Officer,” Scheyer said through a news release. “This program has always been about pushing the game forward. 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.

“Jayson is the ultimate professional. 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.”

Per release, Tatum’s role includes:

  • Conducting in-person team visits to share insights on player development, professionalism, and team culture.
  • Serving as a mentor to student-athletes, offering guidance on career management, personal brand building, and balancing life as a student-athlete.
  • Joining periodic virtual sessions with the team and coaching staff to provide ongoing perspective throughout the season.
  • Advising Scheyer on roster construction and development trends informed by his NBA experience.
  • Providing feedback on player performance and growth plans to help align Duke with professional-level standards.

Tatum and Scheyer sat together for the Blue-White Game. To Tatum’s right was his son, Deuce; on the other side of Scheyer were Duke’s two recruiting visitors, Jordan Smith Jr. and Cam Williams.

Tatum is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in a playoff game. He’s expected to miss at least most, if not all, of the upcoming Celtics’ season.

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