Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Alum Plays Hero Role for Bears in Bahamas

Baylor is blessed to have the clutch services of former four-year Duke basketball guard Jeremy Roach.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball guard Jeremy Roach
Former Duke basketball guard Jeremy Roach / James Snook-Imagn Images
In this story:

Before transferring to the Baylor Bears for his graduate campaign, Jeremy Roach knocked down his fair share of big-time shots across four seasons as a Duke basketball backcourt weapon. But one could argue that the 23-year-old's game-winning 3-point splash at the Baha Mar Hoops Championship in the Bahamas on Thursday night now stands as his most dramatic bucket as a collegian.

ALSO READ: Duke Product Announces Retirement, Teases Next Move

Trailing the No. 22-ranked St. John's Red Storm by two with 4.1 seconds remaining in double overtime, the No. 13 Bears rebounded a missed St. John's free throw and found Roach at midcourt.

He took two dribbles before launching a contested attempt from NBA range. And Roach's moonball swish as the clock ticked zero sent his teammates into a frenzy, as Baylor prevailed, 99-98, after climbing back from a 14-point halftime deficit:

"Jeremy Roach is a big-time player," Baylor head coach Scott Drew said afterward. "He's a winner. He makes plays."

The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder from Leesburg, Va., who tallied 1,469 points as a Duke basketball player and earned All-ACC Third Team honors last season, finished the contest with 20 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal in his team-high 44 minutes on the floor.

Jeremy Roach and the Baylor Bears are now set to face the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers in the event's title game at 9:30 p.m. ET Friday (CBS Sports Network), an hour before Jon Scheyer's No. 12 Blue Devils' road battle against No. 17 Arizona at 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2).

ALSO READ: Ex-Duke Player Transforms Into Potent Scorer for New Squad

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more updates on former Duke basketball talents and other Blue Devil news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball