The consequences of Jeremy Roach of Duke University using the transfer portal
The departure of Jeremy Roach from Duke has an impact on the entire program as well as college basketball in general.
Jon Scheyer and Jeremy Roach had a moment shortly after the dust settled and Duke had just about survived a Houston club without Jamal Shead that was vicious and wounded to secure its Elite Eight ticket. You are aware of them. Putting his arm around Roach, Scheyer conveyed to the world the value that the seasoned guard brought to the Duke program.
Grinning, Roach wiped the perspiration from his brow. Scheyer gave him a pat on the chest akin to a boxer landing the last blow in a knockout, drag-out fight.
At Duke, the Brotherhood is deeply ingrained, and Roach is forever remembered for those all-too-common pivotal moments. There was a “March Jeremy Roach.” And that final Friday of March, he placed
Scheyer remarked, “This guy, we’ve been through a lot together, man.”
It’s all over now.
Barely two weeks after that loving hug, Roach entered the transfer portal and the 2024 NBA Draft late on Tuesday night.
Roach gave Duke 130 games over four arduous years. He served his sentence. Roach is not expected to be selected in the June 2024 NBA Draft, barring any unforeseen late developments. Roach should make a lot of money in his fifth year of college basketball, but it’s unlikely to be at Duke.
At Duke, the Brotherhood is deeply ingrained, and Roach is forever remembered for those all-too-common pivotal moments. There was a “March Jeremy Roach.” And that final Friday of March, he placed
You’re not alone if it makes you feel uneasy. Simply put, things have changed. Roach would not have been eligible in a different life, but the free COVID year has compelled difficult talks. College basketball in this new era is more of a business than it has ever been.
Without a doubt, Roach made a business decision with this move.
During his Duke ride, Roach decided to be a sidekick to some highly anticipated freshmen. DJ Steward, Mark Williams, and Jalen Johnson in 2021. Trevor Keels, AJ Griffin, and Paolo Banchero in 2022. Tyrese Proctor, Dereck Lively, Kyle Filipowski, and Dariq Whitehead in 2023. Caleb Foster and Jared McCain in 2024. lucrative for Roach, but probably not at Duke.
At Duke, the Brotherhood isstrong, and Roach is
He has made the decision to leave Cooper Flagg in 2025.
Already, the sharks are swarming to hire Roach. Adam Zagoria reports that St. John’s, Kentucky, and Arkansas are already considered. No doubt there will be more.
There are backcourt voids to fill for UConn, the reigning national champions. Illinois might present a big salary and a leading part. Great offensive teams like Alabama or Baylor always require more guards. Villanova has a very open backcourt. With Bill Self doing everything in his power to create a super team through the portal, Kansas could make a move.
Roach will have a sizable market, as it should. A 1,400-point scorer, he has demonstrated his ability to play with nearly everyone and can fill a variety of roles. He is very talented. He will get a large salary for his contributions if he decides to play basketball at the collegiate level again.
For Duke, what does it mean?
Caleb Foster, a soon-to-be sophomore, is brought to attention. Had Roach come back, Foster might not have had enough space to fully display his abilities as one of the best guards in college basketball. Foster’s takeoff is made possible by Roach’s departure, who is still being a good team player as he leaves. Duke should start Foster and Proctor in the backcourt.
A gorgeous, Purdue-like forward transfer Mason Gillis is a great addition to the Blue Devils. Another important player for Syracuse transfers is Duke. Maliq Brown is a tough, adaptable, two-way forward who can improve any team right away. It’s okay if prospective additions like Gillis and Brown cause Sean Stewart or TJ Power to second-guess their position in the hierarchy. The drawback of being able to show off in the transfer portal is that.
Duke’s discussion with the available lead guards should also be sparked by Roach’s choice to leave the stage to the left. Kanaan Carlyle of Stanford was a target, but Indiana is thought to be in the lead. It’s said that the Hoosiers are working fast to complete that transaction.
Duke wants a seasoned guard who can play both on and off the ball. Although there are always options available through the portal, the characteristics that Duke is looking for seem remarkably similar to what Roach offered. He made sure those boxes were checked. Duke must now locate someone who is capable of doing more of the same.
Therefore, Duke will most likely lose “March Jeremy Roach,” even though college basketball won’t.
