The Duke men’s basketball bench will feature a familiar face this upcoming season.
The program has announced that former Duke guard Tyler Thornton is returning to Durham as an assistant coach. Thornton most recently held roles as an assistant coach and director of player development at Howard University, working under fellow Duke alum Kenny Blakeney.
“I’m beyond excited to welcome Tyler back to Duke,” said head coach Jon Scheyer. “Having coached him during his college career, I know firsthand how smart he is on the court, how fiercely competitive he is, and how naturally he leads. He’s a true winner—someone who elevates everyone around him. We’re lucky to have him back with us.”
Thornton played four seasons for the Blue Devils and served as a team captain in 2013–14. That year, he made a significant impact, shooting 45% from three-point range and notching 79 assists during the team’s NCAA Tournament run to the Elite Eight.
Reflecting on his return, Thornton said, “Coming back to Duke in a coaching role is truly humbling. As someone who once wore the jersey, I’m incredibly thankful for the chance to help the next generation of Blue Devils reach their potential.”
Thornton brings valuable coaching experience, especially in player development, and maintains strong recruiting connections in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area—a hotbed of talent Duke has long tapped into. As a standout at Gonzaga College High School in D.C., he earned the title of Gatorade Player of the Year for the district in 2010.
It’s not yet clear whether Thornton is stepping into an existing role or filling a new position, but he becomes the second addition to Jon Scheyer’s coaching staff this offseason, joining Evan Bradds.