Beyond Jeremy Roach: Duke vs. Baylor is a Clash of Programs and Philosophies
RALEIGH, N.C. – While the spotlight may momentarily shine on Jeremy Roach, the true narrative unfolding Sunday transcends a single player’s story. It’s Duke versus Baylor, a Sweet 16 showdown with a Final Four berth within reach. The court will feature at least two future lottery picks, showcasing the raw talent that defines college basketball’s elite. And looming over it all is Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach, striving to replicate the success story that Scott Drew, Baylor’s leader, authored four years prior when he guided the Bears to a national championship.
However, the game also offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of modern college basketball, a landscape shaped by the transfer portal and the shifting dynamics of roster construction. After four years as Duke’s primary point guard, amassing 108 starts, 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, and a coveted trip to the Final Four, Roach’s journey in Durham reached its conclusion. Despite possessing an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID-impacted 2020-21 season, the decision was made, mutually, that parting ways was the optimal path forward.
"It was handled with love, honesty, and we felt mutually both ways that it would be the best thing for him in his career and where we had to go because of that," Scheyer explained, emphasizing the amicable nature of the separation.
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away in Waco, Texas, Drew saw an opportunity. Despite the incoming arrival of Rob Wright, a highly-regarded point guard recruit, and the presence of V.J. Edgecombe, another star freshman, Baylor actively scoured the transfer portal in search of experience – and specifically, postseason pedigree. The fact that Roach had played all 40 minutes and scored 18 points against Baylor in their matchup at Madison Square Garden last season certainly didn’t hurt his case.
"You try to get some balance," Drew articulated his roster-building philosophy. "You don’t want all freshmen; you don’t necessarily want all upperclassmen. At the same time, when we won a national championship (in 2021) we had two point guards in Davion Mitchell and Jared Butler. If you can have four point guards out there, I think everybody would like that if you could get them to buy in. You have to play with the ball, without the ball. We thought Jeremy would be a great compliment with Rob and vice-versa and could really help teach some of our younger players some things he’s learned."
The transfer portal, however, isn’t a guarantee of a fairy tale ending for every player. While Roach might have envisioned himself stepping into a leading role at another program, leveraging his Duke experience to become the primary ball-handler, he has instead found himself operating more as a role player as his college career nears its twilight.
That’s the reality of the business. Baylor’s team, it turned out, functioned more effectively with Wright orchestrating the offense. Drew made the official switch in February, entrusting Wright with the starting point guard duties. And now, Baylor finds themselves in the Sweet 16, hoping that Roach can emerge as a crucial X-factor against his former team.
"He’s kept a great attitude, and when we made the decision to bring him off the bench, we talked to him and he said, ‘Whatever is best to help the team,’ " Drew revealed. "He said it might help the team. He’s really helped Rob, and those two can play together. You can always have two point guards on the court. What you can’t have is none so he’ll do a good job making sure everyone is ready to go tomorrow like he’s done every game. I know it means a little more to him, obviously, but Jeremy is somebody that is capable of having big games and hopefully he has one (Sunday)."
Roach, naturally, has kept a close eye on Duke throughout the season. He quipped on Saturday that it was nearly impossible not to, considering the Blue Devils’ frequent appearances on national television. And when he saw that Baylor and Duke were placed in the same section of the tournament bracket, he suspected that a potential clash was inevitable.
"Knowing the committee, they like a story and stuff like that," Roach said with a wry smile. "Not trying to put too much into it, not trying to get too emotional about it. I’m with Baylor, so I’m just focusing on what we’ve got to do to win this game and how hard we have to play for 40 minutes.
"I’m definitely excited for the matchup. Not trying to make anything bigger than what it is, it’s just another basketball game. I just want to focus on what Baylor has to do, personnel, scout, stuff like that, getting ready mentally and physically."
Of course, there’s likely more simmering beneath the surface than Roach is willing to divulge just 24 hours before what could potentially be the final game of his college career.
In September, during an interview with Field of 68, the former McDonald’s All-American confessed that he had initially hoped to remain at Duke but "stuff didn’t meet up, and it was just my time to go." Perhaps there are no lingering hard feelings, but it would be unrealistic to assume that he doesn’t take this matchup personally.
Maybe that personal investment will work in Baylor’s favor, fueling Roach to deliver a memorable March moment tinged with redemption. Or, perhaps, Roach will feel the pressure to overcompensate, to force the issue and make an impact that isn’t necessarily there. This has been a recurring theme throughout his season at Baylor, and one of the contributing factors to his shift to a bench role.
Whether he considers this season a disappointment or not, Roach isn’t revealing any outward signs of discontent. And on Sunday, he has the opportunity to silence any lingering doubts and perhaps even have the last laugh.
"I think this year has been a lot of good benefits for sure, a learning experience for sure but I have enjoyed every moment," he said. "It’s my last year and wanted to make the most of it so that’s really it right there."
The clash between Duke and Baylor is more than just a basketball game; it’s a collision of programs, coaching philosophies, and individual narratives. While Roach’s journey adds a layer of intrigue, the ultimate outcome will depend on which team can execute its game plan, control the tempo, and make the critical plays when the stakes are at their highest. The road to the Final Four runs through Raleigh, and both Duke and Baylor are determined to seize their opportunity.
