Jeremy Roach, the former Duke standout, has joined the Baylor Bears for the 2022-23 season, but his transition has not been without its challenges. As the Bears navigate their early-season schedule, Roach's performance has been a topic of discussion, with his averages dipping from his impressive All-ACC Third Team campaign last year.

Roach Faces Tough Opponents, Seeks to Regain Shooting Touch

Slow Start Against Gonzaga

Roach's Baylor debut was a tough one, as the Bears fell to the sixth-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs in a 101-63 road loss. The four-year Blue Devil starter struggled with his shooting, finishing the game 2-for-9 from the field and 1-for-4 from beyond the arc, scoring just nine points while adding two rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes of action.

Bounce-Back Performance Against Arkansas

However, Roach and the Bears bounced back on Saturday night, securing a 72-67 victory over the 16th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks in Dallas. Roach found his rhythm, recording 13 points, including 10 in the first half, and shooting 5-for-10 from the field, though he still struggled from three-point range, going 1-for-4.

Adjusting to a New System and Teammates

The transition to a new team and system has been an adjustment for Roach, who spent the last four years as a key contributor for the Duke Blue Devils. As he settles into his role with the Bears, Roach will need to find ways to consistently impact the game, both with his scoring and playmaking abilities.

Baylor's Early-Season Schedule Presents Challenges

Baylor's early-season schedule has been no easy task, with the Bears facing two ranked opponents in their first two games. This challenging slate has provided Roach and his teammates with an opportunity to test their mettle and identify areas for improvement as they look to build momentum heading into conference play.

Roach's Potential and Baylor's Aspirations

Despite the early struggles, Roach's talent and experience suggest that he has the potential to be a significant contributor for the Bears this season. As Baylor continues to navigate their non-conference schedule, Roach's development and the team's overall performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as the Bears aim to build on their success from last season and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.