Jeremy Roach is coming back to Duke, and the Blue Devils’ Final Four expectations heading into 2023-24 just got a whole lot brighter. The highly-touted point guard announced earlier this month that he will return to Duke for his junior season, after an injury-derailed sophomore campaign that left fans wanting more.
Roach was one of the top-ranked point guards in the 2020 recruiting cycle, and he showed flashes of his potential during his freshman season at Duke. He averaged 8.7 points and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 41.5% from three-point range and helping the Blue Devils to a 13-11 record.
But Roach’s season was cut short by a shoulder injury, and he struggled to find his rhythm during his sophomore year. He averaged just 4.6 points and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 36.8% from the field and 23.4% from beyond the arc.
Despite Roach’s struggles, Duke still managed to finish the season with a 13-11 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. But with Roach back in the fold, the Blue Devils should be even more dangerous next season.
Roach will be surrounded by an experienced and talented group of players, including senior forward Wendell Moore Jr., junior guard Jordan Goldwire, and sophomore forward Mark Williams. Duke also landed a strong recruiting class for the 2021-22 season, headlined by five-star forward Paolo Banchero and four-star guard Trevor Keels.
With Roach running the show, Duke’s offense should be much more efficient and effective than it was last season. Roach has excellent court vision, and he’s a capable scorer from all over the court. He’s also a tenacious defender who should help the Blue Devils clamp down on their opponents.
If Roach can stay healthy and play up to his potential, there’s no reason why Duke can’t make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24. The Blue Devils have all the pieces in place, and Roach is the final ingredient that could take them to the next level.
So while Duke fans may have been disappointed by Roach’s injury-plagued sophomore season, they should be excited about what he can bring to the table in 2023-24. With Roach leading the way, the Blue Devils could be a force to be reckoned with in the ACC and beyond.
