College Basketball/NCAA Tournament/Sports
Duke's Transition: Jeremy Roach Faces His Old Team After Walking Away
As March Madness unfolds, former Duke standout Jeremy Roach prepares to face the Blue Devils in a crucial match.
1 min read
Overview
Duke has gone through significant changes, positioning itself for a potential run in the NCAA tournament as they prepare to face former player Jeremy Roach and #9 Baylor in a crucial match. Roach’s transition has created a unique dynamic that both he and his former coach acknowledge despite their past relationship.
Key Points
- Duke’s Roster Development: After an early exit last year, Duke altered its roster to create a more versatile and formidable team, shedding players like Jeremy Roach but staying committed to excellence under coach Jon Scheyer.
- Roach at Baylor: Now at Baylor, Roach averages 14 points per game, maintaining a significant role on his new team. His announcement to transfer came from a respectful decision to allow Duke to reframe its strategy.
- Matchup Significance: Sunday’s game will dictate not just progression in the tournament but also serve as a rekindling of the relationship between team and player, providing an emotional backdrop to an intense game.
Quotes
“It was just my time to go,” - Jeremy Roach, prior to facing his former team.
“Obviously I love Jeremy… This should be about Duke and Baylor… He’s done a really good job this year.” - Jon Scheyer, reflecting on Roach’s contributions to Duke and their amicable parting.
