Tyler Thornton, a former Duke basketball captain and four-year player for the Blue Devils, is returning to the program as an assistant coach.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Tyler back to Duke,” head coach Jon Scheyer said in a school-issued statement, released on May 30.
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“Having coached him during his playing career, I saw firsthand his exceptional basketball IQ, relentless competitiveness and natural leadership. He’s a winner in every sense – someone who brings out the best in those around him. We’re fortunate to have him home.”
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Thornton, 33, spent the last six seasons as an assistant coach and director of player development under fellow Duke basketball alum Kenny Blakeney at Howard, which had consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023-24. Before his time in Washington, D.C., Thornton was a graduate assistant at Marquette under former Duke player and coach Steve Wojciechowski.
“As a former Duke player, it’s incredibly humbling to return to the program as a member of the coaching staff. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help the next generation of players achieve their dreams,” Thornton said in a school-issued statement.
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“My passion for the game has always been rooted in doing whatever it takes to win. I’m ready to support Coach Scheyer and contribute in any way that helps our program continue to compete at a championship level.”
A native of the nation’s capital, Thornton played for former head coach Mike Krzyzewski from 2010-14. A Duke graduate, Thornton played in 139 games for the Blue Devils. He helped the program advance to the Elite Eight in the 2013 NCAA Tournament.
Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Duke basketball, Jon Scheyer add Tyler Thornton to coaching staff
