3 Duke basketball transfer targets to replace Jeremy Roach

Jeremy Roach surprised the college basketball community on Tuesday by announcing his decision to enter the transfer portal and declare for the NBA Draft. He joins Christian Reeves, Mark Mitchell, Jaylen Blakes, and Jaden Schutt as the fifth Duke player to enter the portal, resulting in the departure of four out of five starters ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Roach leaves behind a lasting legacy in Durham, having served as a captain who led the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance, an Elite Eight berth, and an ACC Tournament championship. Known for his tenacity and continuous improvement over his four-year tenure with Duke, Roach’s decision to forgo his fifth year of eligibility in a Duke uniform may have been influenced by the ever-changing landscape of NIL regulations.

With Roach’s departure, Duke now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement at the point guard position. While Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor are set to return for another year, Roach’s exceptional playmaking abilities and versatility on both ends of the court will be sorely missed. Given that Duke’s incoming freshman class lacks true point guards, head coach Jon Scheyer must turn to the transfer portal to address this crucial need.

Let’s explore some of the top options available in the transfer portal to fill the void left by Roach.

Kerr Kriisa, West Virginia

If Duke is seeking a bona fide point guard to fill the void left by Roach, Kerr Kriisa presents a compelling option. The Estonian point guard transferred to West Virginia before the 2022-23 season and delivered a commendable performance, averaging 11 points and 4.7 assists per game for the Mountaineers. Notably, he significantly improved his three-point shooting percentage to 42.4, establishing himself as a potent threat both on and off the ball, reminiscent of Roach’s versatility.

With only one season of eligibility remaining, Kriisa is poised to explore professional opportunities overseas following his final year of NCAA basketball. However, if he seeks to optimize his NIL earnings and contend for an NCAA championship, Duke could offer an enticing proposition for both parties.

In Durham, Kriisa would likely assume a role coming off the bench, yet still garner significant minutes, providing invaluable veteran leadership for a relatively young team with limited upperclassmen presence.

Tyrese Hunter, Texas

Tyrese Hunter, a standout guard from the Texas Longhorns, has entered the transfer portal, seeking a new opportunity after two seasons with Texas and one at Iowa State.

Known for his consistency as a point guard in the Big 12, Hunter has averaged double-digit points over three collegiate seasons. While not as efficient a scorer as Roach, Hunter’s strengths lie in his playmaking abilities, running pick-and-rolls, driving to the basket, and creating scoring chances for teammates.

Despite his size, he compensates with elite athleticism and intense defensive pressure. Joining Duke could offer a fresh dynamic to their lineup, with Hunter’s energy and experience adding depth to the backcourt. Despite previous NBA draft prospects, Hunter aims to boost his stock and showcase his talents with a prominent team like Duke.

D.J. Wagner, Kentucky

Wagner, a former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, began his college career at Kentucky before transferring due to coaching changes.

Despite high expectations, his freshman season didn’t meet projections, with shooting struggles and declining impact as the season progressed.

With potential for a fresh start, his dynamic scoring ability could benefit Duke, offering an offensive spark and potentially elevating him to an NBA prospect. While more focused on scoring than Roach, Wagner’s talent makes him a compelling option for the Blue Devils.