DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – One of the top leaders for the Duke men’s basketball team has decided to move on after spending four memorable years in Durham.
Duke senior guard Jeremy Roach plans to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility as well as enter the transfer portal, he announced through social media on Tuesday night.
“Thank you for a special four years,” Roach said in the released statement on Instagram. “My experience at Duke has been unforgettable and made me a better person, leader and player.”
Roach, who was one of the final players who bridged the Mike Krzyzewski era to current head coach Jon Scheyer, started 108 games during his time with the Blue Devils. He spearheaded the program to multiple Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season and ACC Tournament championships while also guiding Duke to the 2022 Final Four.
“To Coach K, Coach Scheyer and all of my other coaches, teammates, managers and support staff: Thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and helping me become the best version of myself,” Roach said. “I am forever grateful to be part of The Brotherhood.”
The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 14 points and 3.3 assists per game this past season, helping the Blue Devils advance to the Elite Eight until losing to North Carolina State.
In his social media post, Roach expressed his gratitude to the Duke fan base before revealing his intentions to depart from the program.
“To the Cameron Crazies: thank you for making Duke a special place to play. Some of the best memories of my life are because of you all, so thank you,” Roach said. “With all of that being said, I’ll be declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility and entering the transfer portal.”
“Thank you again for everything,” he added. “I’ll always be a Blue Devil and am so grateful to have been able to call Duke home for the last four years.”
If he chooses to return to the collegiate level, Roach will have one season left to play as a graduate transfer due to the bonus year of eligibility awarded to athletes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.