What Duke basketball fans should expect from Jeremy Roach

Despite concerns, the next Duke basketball point guard is a potential star.

The Duke basketball staff was able to secure an amazing talent in Jeremy Roach. He is the No. 4 ranked point guard in the class of 2020, as well as the No. 23 overall prospect in the nation. His skills and abilities are known around the hoops circuit, but they deserve more recognition.

For Duke fans, there are still questions regarding what to expect from him as a freshman. A complete breakdown of his game will help familiarize them with what to truly expect from Jeremy Roach as a Duke Blue Devil.

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Despite missing his entire junior season with a torn ACL, Roach bounced back and proved why he is still one of the best players in the nation. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, the Virginia native averaged 19.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game last season. Due to his stellar play, he was one of the few players selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit, but all were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jeremy Roach is what coaches dream for in a point guard. It’s understandable as to why Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski was so eager to have him be a part of The Brotherhood. He plays with exceptional pace for his age. There are times where his poise and maturity on the basketball court resemble that of an NBA veteran. Although he isn’t the biggest player on the court, he knows exactly how to get to his spots and be effective.

One trait that is going to make Duke fans fall in love with Roach is his leadership. He is truly an extension of the coach on the court. Especially with some major talent arriving this upcoming season, it is essential to sort out who will be the leader of that group. Don’t be surprised if we see Roach rise to the occasion.

When it comes to his game on offense, Roach is sound at his position. He excels inside the 3-point line. Mid-range jumpers, floaters, and finishing at the basket are all aspects of his game that he thrives in. Even at his height, Roach is an amazing finisher at the rim. He has a knack for being able to read the defense and adjust on the spot, an ability which is going to propel him to new levels in his collegiate career.

His offensive game is great, but his ability to play defense is solid as well. If fans are expecting him to come and match the defensive abilities of Tre Jones, they’re going to be disappointed. However, Roach is committed when playing defense and can get under the opponent’s skin. A comparison that would help visualize the type of defender he is would be Kyle Lowry. Not the greatest defender, but he can do just enough to impact the game on the defensive end.

Two weaknesses stand out for the incoming Duke basketball point guard

There are two aspects of Roach’s game that still need some significant improvement, those being his outside shooting and playmaking abilities.

Roach can hit shots from outside, but not a consistent level. Playing in an era where being able to shoot is a must, he will need to develop his shooting stroke if he wants to be among the best point guards in the nation.

His playmaking ability also needs to improve, for 2.8 assists per game is not the most flattering number you would like to see coming from your starting point guard. The improvement of the talent he will be surrounded by at Duke will definitely increase his assist totals, but Roach will need to work on finding his teammates.

Jeremy Roach isn’t the most athletically gifted guard, which may be why some scouts aren’t that high on his overall potential. But we’ve seen players defy the odds before. Players such as Nate Robinson, Isaiah Thomas, and Kyle Lowry have all proved the doubters wrong. Jeremy Roach has the fire within him to join the likes of those players.

A fire that should make his freshman season one to behold.

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