‘Duke person forever’: Jeremy Roach set for March Madness battle with Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils.

When you think of Duke basketball, the first names that come to mind are often legends like Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Zion Williamson, or Jayson Tatum, players who shaped the identity of one of college basketball’s most successful programs. However, as Duke looks to continue its pursuit of excellence in the post-Coach K era, one name that has stood out and embodies the Blue Devils’ tradition and ethos is Jeremy Roach.

Roach, a native of the Washington D.C. area, has become an integral part of the Duke basketball program under head coach Jon Scheyer. A poised and seasoned leader on the court, Roach has seen Duke’s basketball landscape transition from one era to another, and as March Madness approaches, he finds himself ready to lead his team through the ultimate test of college basketball. For Roach, this tournament represents more than just a chance to win an NCAA championship — it’s a reflection of his growth, commitment, and deep connection to the program he has embraced as his own.

As the Blue Devils prepare for another March Madness battle, Roach’s leadership and role within the team cannot be overstated. From his early days as a freshman to becoming one of the most trusted players under Scheyer’s leadership, Roach’s development has mirrored the transformation of the Duke program itself. With the Blue Devils primed for a deep run in the tournament, Roach’s journey embodies the resilience, pride, and pursuit of greatness that defines not just Duke basketball, but the legacy of players who have worn the blue and white.

Jeremy Roach: A Duke Lifelong Commitment

It’s easy to look at Jeremy Roach as just another talented point guard, but to truly understand his significance to the Duke program, you have to go deeper. A true “Duke person forever,” as Roach has described himself, the 6-foot-1 guard has developed into the heart and soul of a team that is looking to build its future on the foundation of greatness left by Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Roach’s connection to Duke runs far deeper than just his years as a player; it is a representation of the commitment, values, and culture that the university’s basketball program instills in its players.

Roach’s journey began at Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia, where he was recognized as one of the top point guards in the nation. Ranked as a five-star recruit, his decision to commit to Duke in 2020 was significant not only for his development but for the program’s continued success. Roach’s decision to come to Durham was shaped by the program’s culture of excellence, and from the beginning, he bought into the idea of “being a Duke person forever” — a phrase that means carrying with you the discipline, legacy, and values that Duke basketball has cultivated over decades.

When Roach arrived at Duke, the program was entering the twilight of the Coach K era. The team was brimming with talent, but there was also uncertainty about what the future would hold. As a freshman, Roach was thrust into significant minutes, learning the ropes of college basketball while battling through growing pains. His time under Coach K’s tutelage proved invaluable, as Roach absorbed not only basketball knowledge but also the nuances of being a leader at Duke — a program that expects its players to perform with integrity, passion, and a fierce sense of purpose.

When Coach K retired in 2022, Roach was one of the key veterans left to help bridge the transition between two eras of Duke basketball. With the arrival of Jon Scheyer, a former Duke player and assistant coach, Roach’s leadership and experience became even more vital. The transition was seamless for Roach, who had always bought into the program’s philosophy, and he became one of Scheyer’s most trusted players as the program adjusted to a new chapter.

Jon Scheyer and the New Era of Duke Basketball

The transition from Mike Krzyzewski to Jon Scheyer was undoubtedly one of the most scrutinized and anticipated coaching changes in college basketball history. As Coach K’s former player and assistant, Scheyer was no stranger to the demands and culture of Duke basketball, but stepping into the head coaching role marked a new era — one in which Duke’s young players, like Roach, would play a pivotal role in defining the future of the program.

Scheyer’s vision for Duke basketball was clear from the start. He wanted to build a team that was fast-paced, versatile, and capable of adjusting to any challenge that came their way. The early success of Scheyer’s system was largely predicated on his ability to blend the tradition and discipline of Coach K’s era with a modern, up-tempo style of play that was more suited to the evolving landscape of college basketball. Scheyer placed an emphasis on player development, creating a team dynamic that valued both individual growth and collective success.

For Jeremy Roach, Scheyer’s coaching style was a natural fit. Scheyer’s trust in his players allowed Roach to step into a leadership role, something he had always been capable of but now had the full responsibility of executing. Roach’s ability to run the offense, make decisions on the fly, and set the tone for his teammates became essential in Scheyer’s first season as head coach. The duo developed a strong relationship based on mutual respect, with Roach embracing the opportunity to lead both on and off the court.

Roach’s Development and Leadership

Over the course of his Duke career, Jeremy Roach has grown from a talented but raw freshman into one of the most steady and impactful players on the team. His development is a testament to both his work ethic and the coaching staff’s ability to foster leadership within the program. Roach’s journey has been marked by moments of struggle and triumph, but throughout it all, his commitment to the team and the program has remained unwavering.

As a point guard, Roach has always had a natural ability to orchestrate the offense, keeping defenders on their heels and creating opportunities for his teammates. His vision on the court has made him an invaluable asset, especially in high-pressure situations. What sets Roach apart, however, is his calmness under pressure. Whether Duke is in a tight game or facing a highly ranked opponent, Roach’s composure allows him to make the right decisions, often at the most critical junctures. His leadership is not just in his playmaking, but in his ability to bring the team together when the stakes are at their highest.

Roach’s ability to lead is amplified by his experience in the NCAA Tournament. Having played in multiple March Madness campaigns during his time at Duke, Roach knows firsthand what it takes to succeed in the tournament. His veteran presence is a key asset, especially when navigating the grueling path to a national championship. In particular, Roach’s clutch performances in previous tournament games have shown that he is capable of stepping up when the team needs him most.

A Focus on March Madness

As the 2023 NCAA Tournament approaches, Roach’s role as a leader becomes even more critical. March Madness is known for its unpredictability, and every year, some of the tournament’s most memorable moments come from teams with experienced players who can navigate pressure-packed games. For Duke, Jeremy Roach has the perfect combination of skills and leadership to guide the team deep into the tournament.

Roach is aware of the stakes. He knows the legacy that Duke has built and the expectations that come with wearing the Blue Devils’ jersey. For Roach, winning an NCAA championship would be the ultimate reward, not just for himself but for the program that has shaped him. In interviews, he has often expressed his pride in being part of Duke basketball and his desire to bring the program back to the top of the college basketball world.

His focus has been squarely on helping his team reach its potential. Whether it’s mentoring younger players or taking on the challenge of opposing defenses, Roach has embraced his responsibility as one of the team’s leaders. His consistency in big moments — whether it’s sinking clutch shots, making key assists, or leading the charge defensively — will be pivotal to Duke’s chances in March Madness.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making

Jeremy Roach’s time at Duke has been defined by his growth as a player, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the program. As the Blue Devils gear up for the NCAA Tournament, Roach is not just looking at the opportunity to win a title for himself, but to cement his legacy as one of the great leaders in Duke basketball history.

Roach’s role in the 2023 NCAA Tournament could be the culmination of everything he has worked toward during his time at Duke. His ability to guide his team through the challenges of March Madness will be essential, and with his leadership, Duke has the tools to succeed.

For Roach, this isn’t just about basketball; it’s about carrying on the legacy of Duke basketball and the values that have made the program a perennial powerhouse. As he steps onto the court for what could be his final March Madness campaign, Jeremy Roach is more than ready to embrace the challenge and lead his team to greatness — because, as he has always said, he’s a “Duke person forever.”