Former Duke guard Jeremy Roach is back in North Carolina with Baylor. It’s a familiar face and location.

In the world of college basketball, the journey of players often takes unexpected turns. For Jeremy Roach, the former Duke guard who became a household name in Durham, his path has led him back to North Carolina, but this time, in a new uniform and with a new team. After spending several impactful years with the Duke Blue Devils, Roach has transferred to Baylor, bringing his skill set, experience, and competitive drive to a new program that’s aiming to continue its success in the NCAA. As he returns to the state where he spent much of his collegiate career, Roach’s presence in the Big 12 will be a story of redemption, growth, and the opportunity to make an impact in a new environment.

This article takes a closer look at Jeremy Roach’s journey, the circumstances that led him to Baylor, and what his return to North Carolina means for both him and the basketball landscape. His story is a compelling one of resilience and determination, and as he returns to a familiar region, it’s clear that the next chapter of his career will be a thrilling one to watch.

Jeremy Roach’s Duke Legacy: A Star in Durham

Before he became a fixture in the NCAA’s transfer portal, Jeremy Roach was a standout player at Duke University. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Roach was a highly touted recruit who arrived at Duke in 2020 with high expectations. During his two seasons with the Blue Devils, Roach made an indelible mark on the program, becoming an integral part of the team’s success and a fan favorite.

Roach’s journey at Duke began with early promise. As a freshman, he showed flashes of brilliance, playing under then-first-year head coach Jon Scheyer. Roach’s playmaking ability and poise on the court were immediately apparent. As a point guard, he served as the floor general for a team that featured several future NBA talents, including Paolo Banchero, AJ Griffin, and Mark Williams. Roach’s skill set allowed him to thrive in a fast-paced offense, and he averaged 8.6 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game during his freshman campaign.

By his sophomore year, Roach had become one of the most important players on the Blue Devils roster. He stepped into a leadership role, particularly after Duke lost some of its other star players to the NBA. Roach’s experience from his freshman year helped him mature, both as a player and as a leader. He improved his shooting, became more effective as a defender, and was able to elevate the game of his teammates. In the 2022-2023 season, Roach played a vital role in helping Duke return to the NCAA Tournament, contributing 13.1 points per game, 5.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. His clutch play in critical moments became a hallmark of his time at Duke, especially in close games that required his composure and leadership.

Perhaps his most memorable moment as a Blue Devil came during Duke’s dramatic win over rival North Carolina in the 2023 ACC Tournament semifinals. In that game, Roach demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion, contributing 21 points and 6 assists, leading Duke to an important victory over the Tar Heels. His performance was a testament to his growth as a player and his ability to perform under pressure.

Despite Roach’s success at Duke, there were challenges along the way. His shooting percentages were inconsistent at times, and while he had his moments as a leader, the team’s overall performance in the NCAA Tournament fell short of expectations. As a result, Roach found himself in the difficult position of evaluating his future in college basketball. His decision to transfer ultimately came down to finding a new challenge and the opportunity for further growth.

The Decision to Transfer: Why Baylor?

When Jeremy Roach entered the transfer portal, many fans and analysts wondered where his next move would take him. Given his talent and experience, Roach could have chosen any number of programs, but he ultimately landed at Baylor University, a decision that raised some eyebrows. While Baylor had experienced success in recent years, particularly with their national championship win in 2021 under head coach Scott Drew, Roach’s decision to transfer there was seen as both a strategic and personal choice.

First, Roach’s decision to join Baylor made sense in terms of their playing style. Baylor’s high-tempo offense and aggressive defense made them a natural fit for a guard like Roach, who thrived in fast-paced situations. With a team that values versatility, Roach could contribute immediately as a primary ball handler and a scoring option, allowing him to continue developing his skills in a competitive conference like the Big 12.

Second, Roach’s return to North Carolina was significant. Having spent several years in Durham, he was already familiar with the region’s basketball culture and competition. However, Baylor was in a position to offer him a fresh start—away from the pressure of living up to Duke’s storied tradition—and a chance to continue growing without the weight of expectation that came with playing for a team like the Blue Devils. Roach was given the opportunity to redefine himself in a new environment, where he could carve out his legacy and contribute to a program already built for success.

Jeremy Roach’s Transition to Baylor: A New Challenge

The transition to Baylor was not without its challenges, but Roach embraced them head-on. Under the guidance of Scott Drew, who has built one of the most successful programs in college basketball, Roach found a new sense of purpose. Drew’s ability to develop guards and create an up-tempo offense suited Roach’s playing style, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact in his new environment.

In his first season with Baylor, Roach quickly became one of the key players on the team. His leadership and veteran presence were immediately felt, and his ability to facilitate offense, score in isolation, and defend on the perimeter made him one of the most versatile players in the Big 12. Baylor’s offense, which emphasized both shooting and spacing, allowed Roach to showcase his skills as both a creator and a scorer. With teammates like LJ Cryer and Jalen Bridges, Roach formed a formidable backcourt that could attack defenses from multiple angles.

Roach’s impact on Baylor was not just felt in his scoring but in his ability to elevate the play of his teammates. His vision as a point guard and his willingness to distribute the basketball opened up opportunities for other players to shine. Roach’s experience playing in big games at Duke gave him a unique advantage, allowing him to perform well in pressure situations, which is a critical element of Baylor’s tournament hopes.

Familiar Face in a Familiar Location

As Jeremy Roach continues his career at Baylor, it is impossible to ignore the significance of his return to North Carolina. While Roach is no longer donning the blue and white of Duke, his presence in the state has drawn attention due to his history with the Blue Devils. For many, it feels like a reunion, as Roach will once again compete in the same region where he made a name for himself.

Playing in the Big 12, Roach will now face a different level of competition, but the familiarity of playing in North Carolina adds another layer of intrigue. Whether it’s through matchups against North Carolina or other regional rivals, Roach will inevitably draw comparisons to his time at Duke and will be motivated to prove that his decision to transfer was the right one. The opportunity to play against former ACC rivals while representing Baylor is an exciting narrative for both Roach and college basketball fans alike.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Roach?

As Jeremy Roach enters his next chapter at Baylor, the next few years of his career will be critical in determining his future in basketball, both in college and potentially at the professional level. Roach’s growth as a player will depend on how well he adapts to the demands of playing in the Big 12 and his ability to refine his game in a new system. His time at Duke has prepared him for the spotlight, but now, at Baylor, he will have the opportunity to build on that foundation.

A successful season at Baylor could make Roach one of the top guards in the nation, potentially leading to professional opportunities. With a solid combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership, Roach has the potential to continue his journey to the NBA, but that will depend on how well he navigates the challenges Baylor faces in the postseason and whether he can continue to perform at a high level under pressure.

For now, Roach is focused on helping Baylor contend for a national title. Whether he’s facing teams in the Big 12 or competing in March Madness, his experience and talent will be invaluable to the Bears. And with his return to North Carolina, one thing is certain: Jeremy Roach’s story is far from over, and his impact will be felt across the country, both as a former Duke star and a current Baylor leader.