Restructuring the Roster at Duke
After Duke’s Elite Eight defeat to NC State last year, the program made significant changes to its roster in anticipation of superstar freshman Cooper Flagg and with hopes of returning to the final weekend of the college basketball season.
This reconfiguration saw the departure of notable players including program icon Jeremy Roach and forward Mark Mitchell, who entered the transfer portal to optimize the team around Flagg, projected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Despite Roach having his best statistical season at Duke, averaging 14 points per game and shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc, the Blue Devils needed to increase their size to implement a more versatile lineup envisioned by Coach Jon Scheyer.
Roach’s choice to transfer followed a mutual understanding that Duke was shifting its direction. Remaining at Duke would have required Roach to adopt an off-ball role, given that Flagg and another highly-rated freshman, Kon Kneuppel, were expected to take on more offensive responsibilities. Staying as a point guard would have been more beneficial for Roach’s NBA prospects.
Roach’s transition from the university where he spent four years culminated in a matchup against his former team, as Duke, seeded No. 1, faced off against No. 9 seed Baylor for a chance at the Sweet 16. He expressed hope to remain at Duke in interviews, but acknowledged that “it was just my time to go.”
Coaching Insight and Team Changes
When asked about facing Roach after Duke’s decisive victory over Mount St. Mary’s, Scheyer shared his appreciation for Roach’s contributions during his tenure at Duke. He emphasized that the focus should remain on the team’s upcoming challenges rather than on individual narratives.
Duke’s current lineup has remained stable, with alterations made only in three games since December 4. Following an initial 5-2 start, Scheyer opted to replace Caleb Foster with Tulane transfer Sion James, a substantial addition at 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, providing a different energy compared to Roach’s style last season.
With a focus on improving height and defensive capabilities, Duke has transformed its team from being the 33rd tallest in the country last season to ranking first this year. The likes of James, Proctor, Knueppel, Flagg, and Khaman Maluach have contributed to a more robust defensive strategy, bringing Duke’s ranking in adjusted defensive efficiency up significantly.
Ultimately, Roach’s journey from the Blue Devils, a squad he helped lead to the Final Four in 2021-22, now places him in a contrasting position against his former team, as he prepares to make a significant impact in the upcoming clash.
