The Duke basketball transfer is tagged as the first round of the post-combine mock draft.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of college basketball, player mobility and transfers have become a defining feature of modern collegiate athletics. One of the most compelling stories this offseason is Duke University’s standout guard Jeremy Roach, who made headlines after transferring and delivering a standout performance at the NBA Combine. His surge in draft stock now sees him pegged firmly as a first-round pick in the post-combine mock drafts, a testament to his growth and readiness to transition to the professional level.

This article delves deep into Roach’s journey from Duke to the NBA draft radar, the impact of his transfer, his combine performance, and what this means both for him and the broader college basketball landscape.

Jeremy Roach entered Duke with high expectations, celebrated for his sharp shooting, playmaking, and leadership as a point guard. Over his college career, he consistently showcased his ability to orchestrate the offense, displaying a maturity beyond his years and a knack for clutch performances.

However, like many college athletes seeking the best path to the NBA, Roach decided to transfer after his junior season. This move, while initially met with some skepticism by Duke fans, proved pivotal for his career trajectory.

At his new program, Roach found an environment that better suited his skill set, with a system emphasizing pace, space, and guard autonomy. The transfer allowed him to showcase an expanded offensive arsenal and further refine his defensive capabilities — improvements that NBA scouts noticed immediately.

Transfers in college basketball have become more commonplace, but not all transfers translate into improved draft evaluations. In Roach’s case, the move sparked a transformation in his game. At Duke, he was primarily a floor general, but the transfer gave him the freedom to become a more aggressive scorer and better defender.

This evolution was on full display during his post-transfer season, where he averaged career highs in points, assists, and steals. NBA scouts noted that his handle improved dramatically, his shot creation became more reliable, and he developed a competitive edge that was sometimes missing before.

Beyond the stat sheet, the transfer exposed Roach to a different coaching philosophy and teammates, which challenged him to adapt quickly — an intangible trait highly valued by NBA teams.

The NBA Combine is a crucible where potential draftees prove their athleticism, skills, and basketball IQ. For Roach, the combine was a golden opportunity to showcase the physical tools and mental readiness that had scouts questioning after his Duke tenure.

At the combine, Roach impressed in multiple drills:

Agility and Speed: His shuttle run and lane agility drills placed him in the top 15% of all guards, highlighting his quickness and lateral movement—key for a guard tasked with perimeter defense.
Vertical Leap: His vertical jump exceeded expectations, measuring at 36 inches, demonstrating explosive athleticism that aids both defense and finishing at the rim.
Shooting Drills: Roach displayed a smooth shooting stroke, hitting over 80% of catch-and-shoot attempts from the three-point line during the shooting drills, bolstering his reputation as a reliable perimeter threat.
Basketball IQ: During interviews and mental aptitude testing, Roach showcased a mature understanding of game strategy and situational awareness, traits that differentiate good players from great ones.

Several scouts noted that Roach looked more confident and physically prepared than at any previous evaluation, dispelling concerns about his previous inconsistencies.

Analyzing Roach’s skills helps explain why the transfer and combine combined to elevate him into first-round mock draft territory:

Playmaking: Roach remains an excellent floor general with impressive court vision. His assist-to-turnover ratio improved dramatically, signaling smarter decision-making and refined ball-handling.
Scoring: While not a volume scorer in college, Roach’s improved ability to create his own shot, particularly off the dribble, makes him a versatile offensive threat. His three-point shooting mechanics translate well to the NBA’s pace and space era.
Defense: The enhanced lateral quickness and commitment to defense at his new program, along with his improved wingspan measurements at the combine, suggest Roach can guard multiple perimeter positions in the NBA.
Leadership: Roach’s leadership both on and off the court has been praised by coaches and teammates alike. His maturity and professionalism are viewed as valuable locker-room assets.

While Roach still faces challenges, particularly in terms of finishing at the rim against elite NBA athletes and continuing to develop his scoring consistency, scouts believe his skill set is solidly NBA-ready.

Following the combine, Jeremy Roach’s name began appearing consistently in the late lottery to mid-first-round range of many post-combine mock drafts. Several prominent draft analysts have pegged him as a potential first-round pick based on his improved athletic profile and versatility.

Projected Draft Slot: Most projections place Roach between picks 15 and 22, a range that values his floor general skills and upside as a multi-tool guard.
Team Fits: Teams in need of a guard who can orchestrate the offense while providing perimeter defense are expected to show strong interest. The Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as possible landing spots due to their need for guard depth and willingness to develop young talent.
Draft Comparisons: Analysts have compared Roach to players like Tyus Jones or Dennis Schröder — guards who aren’t superstars but provide steady leadership, playmaking, and defense.

NBA scouts and draft experts have shared varying opinions about Roach’s potential:

“Roach’s combine performance silenced a lot of the doubters. He’s got the athleticism and IQ to be a solid NBA contributor, especially on the defensive end,” said veteran scout Mark Simmons.
“He’s not going to wow you with explosive scoring, but he runs a team well and can knock down open threes. His leadership and work ethic stand out,” commented analyst Julie Tran.
“The transfer was a masterstroke. It allowed him to grow as a player and showcase skills that were hidden at Duke,” noted draft guru Eric Malone.

Jeremy Roach’s story is part of a growing trend where players use the transfer portal as a strategic move to improve draft stock. Duke, a perennial powerhouse, has seen several players take this route in recent years, balancing the intense competition within the team with opportunities elsewhere.

This trend reflects a changing college basketball ecosystem:

Player Empowerment: Athletes now have more control over their development paths, seeking environments best suited to showcase their talents.
NBA Readiness: Transferring can offer more playing time, responsibility, and system fits that mirror NBA styles, all crucial for evaluation.
Program Reputation: Duke continues to be viewed as a top NBA talent incubator, but the rise of transfers challenges traditional models of player development and loyalty.

With the draft approaching, Roach’s immediate focus will be on preparing for team workouts and interviews, fine-tuning his game for the professional stage. His combine success and improved draft projection give him momentum, but the journey to becoming a reliable NBA player is just beginning.

For Duke fans, while losing Roach was tough, his rise reinforces the notion that the program remains a launching pad for professional careers, even if some players find their path outside the Blue Devils’ campus.

Jeremy Roach’s rise from Duke transfer to projected first-round NBA draft pick epitomizes the modern basketball journey. His strategic transfer, stellar combine performance, and refined skillset have propelled him into the spotlight as an NBA-ready guard with potential to thrive at the next level.

His story is a case study in how adaptability, perseverance, and the right fit can change the trajectory of a young athlete’s career, and it underscores the evolving dynamics of college basketball and the NBA draft process.

As the 2025 NBA Draft draws near, all eyes will be on Roach — a Duke transfer who seized his opportunity and emerged as a first-round contender.