In a compelling NCAA Tournament storyline, the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils are set to face off against the No. 9 Baylor Bears in the East Region’s second round. According to DraftKings, Duke enters the matchup as a commanding 12.5-point favorite. However, one of the biggest subplots centers around former Duke star Jeremy Roach, who now plays for Baylor after an unexpected transfer for his final collegiate season.
Roach, who spent four years with Duke from 2020 to 2024, made the surprising decision to transfer to Baylor, where he has returned to his natural position as the primary point guard. Let’s dive into the reasons behind Roach’s move to Waco and evaluate how the transition has unfolded for the veteran guard.
Why Did Roach Leave Duke?
Jeremy Roach’s decision to transfer from Duke was rooted in a desire to return to the position where he thrives the most — point guard. During his time at Duke, Roach was often asked to play off the ball, particularly with the emergence of younger guards who took over primary ball-handling duties. While Roach was an effective and versatile contributor for the Blue Devils, he yearned for the opportunity to lead the offense as the floor general, a role he excelled in during his high school days at Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia.
Despite averaging double figures in scoring and playing a key role in Duke’s deep postseason runs, Roach’s responsibilities gradually shifted as Duke’s roster evolved. The addition of elite freshman guards and increased competition for ball-handling duties limited Roach’s ability to fully showcase his court vision and playmaking skills. Seeking a fresh start and a chance to prove himself as a lead guard, Roach entered the transfer portal following the 2023-2024 season.
Why Baylor?
Baylor emerged as an ideal landing spot for Roach due to its guard-friendly system and head coach Scott Drew’s reputation for developing talented backcourt players. Baylor’s offense thrives when its point guard can control the tempo, distribute the ball efficiently, and create scoring opportunities — all attributes that align with Roach’s strengths.
Additionally, Baylor’s recent track record with guards, including the success of Davion Mitchell and Jared Butler, played a role in Roach’s decision. The opportunity to return to his natural position in a system designed to showcase his abilities made Baylor an attractive destination for Roach’s final collegiate season.
How Has Roach Performed at Baylor?
Roach’s transition to Baylor has been smooth, and he has quickly established himself as the team’s floor leader. Returning to the point guard role has allowed him to shine as both a scorer and facilitator. He has posted career-highs in assists per game while maintaining his scoring efficiency. Roach’s ability to dictate the pace of the game and make clutch plays has been a key factor in Baylor’s success this season.
Moreover, his experience and leadership have been invaluable to a Baylor team that features a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans. Roach’s presence has elevated the Bears’ backcourt, giving them a dynamic playmaker who can handle pressure in high-stakes situations.
Facing His Former Team
Now, in a full-circle moment, Roach finds himself preparing to face his former team in a high-stakes NCAA Tournament matchup. While emotions will undoubtedly run high, Roach has remained focused on helping Baylor advance deeper into the tournament. His familiarity with Duke’s system and personnel could give Baylor a strategic advantage, but the Blue Devils will also be well aware of what Roach brings to the table.
As the spotlight shines on this marquee matchup, all eyes will be on Roach as he looks to lead Baylor past his former team and continue making the most of his final collegiate season. Whether Baylor pulls off the upset or Duke holds firm as the favorite, Roach’s journey from Durham to Waco has been a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and determination to finish his college career on his own terms.
Leave a Reply