Duke guard Jeremy Roach has entered the transfer portal this offseason, seeking a fresh start for his final season of college basketball.
Amidst his transition, rumors have surfaced on social media suggesting that Roach’s next commitment could come with a seven-figure name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal. However, Roach addressed these speculations directly.
Responding to a post about his alleged transfer portal value, Roach humorously remarked, “Man, I wish,” thereby downplaying the rumor.
The speculation initially gained traction during a discussion on Discord, hosted by Trilly Donovan, a well-known college basketball social media account. This insider, known for his connections and timely information, mentioned a potential $1.5 million NIL figure for Roach, who recently achieved career highs with 14 points per game and 3.3 assists per game.
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Roach also has the option to enter the NBA Draft, which adds some leverage to his situation, though he is projected as a potential second-round pick at best.
This offseason has seen similar scenarios unfold, as with Wisconsin guard AJ Storr, who was rumored to be seeking $1 million in NIL money to commit to a college program. Ultimately, Storr committed to Kansas, though details of his NIL deal remain undisclosed, after a varied journey through multiple high schools and NCAA programs.
As for Roach, he has attracted significant interest from several programs. Baylor is considered a leading contender, but Kansas, St. John’s, Kentucky, and Arkansas are also in the mix. Kansas star Hunter Dickinson has even made a public pitch, aiming to bring Roach to Lawrence to bolster their team’s star power.
Wherever Roach decides to play, he is expected to secure a starting position and command a significant NIL deal, although the exact value remains to be seen.