Kentucky is actively seeking a former Duke Blue Devil in the transfer portal.

Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope is targeting another player in the transfer portal, this time setting his sights on former Duke Blue Devil Jeremy Roach. It’s uncommon to see former Duke players considering a move to Lexington, but Coach Pope is actively pursuing Roach.

During his time with the Blue Devils last season, Roach averaged 14 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, showcasing his shooting prowess with a 42.9% three-point shooting rate. Standing at 6’2″, Roach’s shooting abilities make him a suitable fit for Coach Pope’s pass-and-shoot offensive strategy.

With the Wildcats aiming to bolster their 2024-25 roster with experienced players, Roach’s track record of performing in significant games makes him an appealing prospect. Despite Duke’s loss in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight to NC State, Roach demonstrated his scoring ability, particularly in crucial matchups like against North Carolina, where he scored a combined 33 points across two games despite the team’s losses.

Roach’s availability in the transfer portal has attracted attention from other prominent programs, including St. John’s led by Rick Pitino and Arkansas under Coach John Calipari, setting the stage for a competitive recruitment battle. Despite the competition, Coach Pope stands a genuine chance of securing Roach’s commitment, offering him an opportunity to contribute significantly as one of the top veteran players available in the portal.