Australia may need to wait a little longer for its next NBA draft pick, with Tyrese Proctor announcing that he will be returning to Duke University for his sophomore season rather than entering this year's draft. 

Proctor, 18, had an impressive freshman season with Duke, averaging 9.4 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, including a team-best performance in the Blue Devil's final game of the season — 16 points, six assists, two rebounds, and two steals in a loss to Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 

While these numbers had some projecting Proctor being taken in the first round of the 2023 draft — ESPN ranked him 30th in their draft prospect list — the Australian has opted to return to college for a second season. 

Unfinished Business. Let’s run it back 5 😈 pic.twitter.com/ldNkNDVUhC

— Tyrese Proctor (@TyreseProctor) March 27, 2023

This is a move that could not only skyrocket his stock, but according to Proctor, gives him a chance to make another run in the March Madness tournament. 

"This is the best decision for my career, both present and future, Coach [Jon] Scheyer and I share the same vision, we have unfinished business," Proctor told ESPN.

"We have the best staff in the country, and they will push me each and every day.

"It's all about winning, and that starts this summer.

"Having a full offseason on campus will be extremely valuable for my continued development, and I am looking forward to leading our talented incoming class."

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Duke's incoming class is indeed talented, ranked number two in the nation with five 5-star prospects. 

As part of his commitment to Duke, Proctor has also confirmed that he will miss the chance to trial for the Boomers squad ahead of this year's FIBA World Cup, opting instead to put a solid off-season of work in. 

"I'll be right back at Duke with my teammates prepping for the season," he said.

"I spent last summer playing with the Boomers, so I'm looking forward to having a complete offseason to work with the coaching staff at Duke and pave the way for us to hang another banner in Cameron." 

By choosing to stay in college for the 2023-24 season, Proctor joins a strong Australian contingent in the NCAA.

This includes Alex Toohey, who has committed to Gonzaga, Rory Hawke and Harry Wessels at St. Mary's, and Taran Armstrong, who has entered the college basketball transfer portal after a strong year at California Baptist.