Duke Basketball: 5 biggest storylines to watch for 2022-23 season

5. Jeremy Roach will be the key to Duke’s 2022-23 season

There are multiple transfers and a No. 1 recruiting class that makes up 10 of the 12 players on the roster. Along with sophomore bench guard Jaylen Blakes is Roach, the lone returning rotation player from last season. The junior guard and former five-star prospect have started most of his games with the Blue Devils and has also come off the bench during some struggles.

Last season, Wendell Moore was the breakout star, becoming the “point guard” for Duke Basketball. Roach still had playmaking responsibilities of his own, averaging over 3.0 apg while also scoring just under double figures. His scoring in the second half of the year played a big role in the team making a deep run, including five games of 15+ points in five of the final 11 games.

Not only did Roach prove that he can be a quality offensive option but he also was a go-to scorer that Duke can put the ball in his hands in key moments. With a completely new team that is still fairly young, look for the veteran ball-handler to get the early looks this season when it comes to being the focal point of the offense.

I mentioned before that Proctor could play a large role in the offense. That wouldn’t be at Roach’s expense if it allows him to focus on scoring. There is a question as to whether or not the junior can be both a lead scorer and lead passer so taking the pressure off of him like Moore did last season could lead to similar results for Duke Basketball overall. How he plays, and how consistent he is as well, will play a big role in how the team does.