“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.”
Jayson Tatum is rejoining Duke in an official capacity, though he won’t be featuring for the Blue Devils on the court.
Tatum, who attended Duke prior to being drafted by the Celtics in 2017, was announced on Tuesday as the school’s first ever “Chief Basketball Officer,” a newly created role that the Celtics star is volunteering for.
Per the Duke announcement, Tatum’s duties as CBO will be (among other things) to help the school foster development and team building, mentor current players, “join periodic virtual sessions” to provide input, and to share feedback.
“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to be Duke’s first Chief Basketball Officer,” said Tatum, according to the Duke 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,” he added. “As former players, we all share the responsibility of supporting the next generation of Duke Basketball.”
Tatum is simultaneously continuing his rehab with the Celtics as he navigates the path back from injury following his torn Achilles sustained in last season’s playoffs.
The 27-year-old was drafted third overall by Boston in 2017 following a single season at Duke, during which time he helped the Blue Devils go 28-9 while averaging 16.8 points per game.