Duke University has officially welcomed back one of its most decorated alumni in a groundbreaking new role. The Blue Devils announced Tuesday that Jayson Tatum, six-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, has been named the program’s first-ever Chief Basketball Officer.
The position, described by Duke as the first of its kind in college basketball, will see Tatum serve as a volunteer advisor to head coach Jon Scheyer and the men’s basketball program. His responsibilities will include mentoring student-athletes, advising on roster construction, and sharing insights on player development, professionalism, and team culture; essentially helping align Duke with “professional-level standards.”
“We are honored to welcome Jayson Tatum as our Chief Basketball Officer,” Scheyer said in a statement. “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. His ability to inspire, motivate, and guide our student-athletes is unmatched.”
Tatum, who played one season at Duke in 2016–17 before being drafted third overall by Boston, expressed excitement about formalizing his relationship with the program.
“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to be Duke’s first Chief Basketball Officer,” Tatum said. “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 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 announcement comes as Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles suffered during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With his return to the Celtics uncertain for the upcoming season, the role provides him an opportunity to remain connected to the game while giving back to the program that helped launch his career.
Tatum was in attendance at Duke’s annual Countdown to Craziness event earlier this month, sitting courtside with Scheyer, his son Deuce, and several top recruits. His presence was seen as both a recruiting boost and a symbolic reminder of Duke’s deep NBA ties.
For Duke, the move underscores its commitment to leveraging alumni relationships in innovative ways. With Tatum now embedded in the program’s culture, the Blue Devils hope to strengthen their pipeline of mentorship between past and present players, a hallmark of The Brotherhood.
