The conclusion of a Duke basketball journey has arrived, catching some by surprise.
On Tuesday night, Jeremy Roach declared his entry into the transfer portal after completing four seasons with the Blue Devils. Serving as Duke’s captain for the past two years, Roach also disclosed his intention to explore the 2024 NBA Draft prospects, a path he briefly pursued last season before swiftly returning to Durham.
Expressing gratitude on social media, Roach thanked “Duke Nation” for an indelible four-year experience, crediting the university for shaping him into a better individual, leader, and athlete. Hailing from Leesburg, Virginia, Roach navigated a myriad of experiences during his tenure at Duke, from the challenges of a COVID-19 disrupted freshman season to the highs of a Final Four appearance and an ACC Championship win. His senior year saw him achieve an average of 14.0 points per game with a 42.9-percent shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
Acknowledging his coaches, teammates, and the broader support network, Roach expressed profound appreciation for their belief in him and their role in his personal and athletic development. Despite speculation following an inconsistent sophomore season, Roach opted to remain at Duke after a remarkable NCAA Tournament campaign.
Recognizing the fervent support of the Cameron Crazies, Roach conveyed gratitude for their role in making Duke a special place to compete, attributing some of his fondest memories to their spirited presence.
While there were murmurs of Roach’s potential entry into the transfer portal after his sophomore year, he chose to stay at Duke following the team’s impressive tournament performance.
With Roach’s departure, the Duke roster sees a conclusion to the recent string of exits, including Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster, Mark Mitchell, Christian Reeves, Jaylen Blakes, and Jaden Schutt. Despite uncertainties regarding his draft prospects, Roach is expected to utilize his final year of eligibility rather than pursue professional opportunities immediately.
In his closing remarks, Roach reaffirmed his enduring allegiance to Duke, expressing profound gratitude for the privilege of calling it home over the past four years.
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