Twitter: @Jeremyroach10
Instagram: @iam_jr20
For most of the top high school hoopers today, periods of rest barely come around, no matter the time of year. Think about it: the school season takes up to around 4-5 months, followed by a heavy spring/summer of travel ball, possible summer leagues, and even college camps. Once the fall arrives, preseason workouts and maybe even a fall league keep the guys occupied up until the first day of tryouts. It’s a grind, point blank. This exhausting schedule can occur for any player, honestly, but I point out the high recruits specifically due to their own situations of attending elite prospect camps/showcases and handling the recruitment process, along with the other aforementioned events. Even when not performing on the court, these players stay on their feet with involvement in various activities. I remember watching my good friend, Justin Anderson (now a member of the Atlanta Hawks), go through his own journey as a high school upperclassmen. The busyness of his entire summer, right before senior year, left me astonished when I was 15 years old. Nowadays, one can argue the pattern has strengthened even more. Just ask Jeremy Roach ’20 of Paul VI Catholic High school. Acknowledged as one of the top 2020 point guards in the country by several recruiting outlets, 2018 has emerged as a big year of growth for the Leesburg, VA native; not just within his skillset but in his way of thinking also.
Only now entering his third year with the Paul VI Panthers, Roach has already had quite a journey with the renowned program. After falling to Trinity Episcopal School in the VISAA Division I state title during his freshmen year in 2017, the young squad bounced back to reclaim the throne this past March with their 6’1” sophomore guard playing a major role. A 2018 USA Today All-Virginia and All-WCAC first teamer last season, Roach gave opponents trouble on a nightly basis with his ability to push the tempo in the open court and act as a playmaker once settled in the half court. He uses his strength and second step greatly to get past defenders and score at the rim with either hand; his off-hand finishing looks just as good as that of any guard in the country. With his patient hesitation moves, Roach pulls up swiftly for jumpers and can draw attention to dish out to his other talented teammates. He arguably excels best in transition, pitching the ball ahead at a rate that already resembles next-level play. It’s no surprise that ESPN and Rivals.com have him ranked among the top three point guards in his class as a five-star prospect. He holds the #1 point guard spot on 247sports.com.
After successfully winning the state chip, Roach carried his hot streak into the summer, playing as the floor general for Team Takeover EYBL 17u. The talent-filled travel team dominated the entire spring/summer, finishing with a 25-2 overall record and champions of the ‘Peach Jam’ and ‘The 8.’ They also went undefeated in the EYBL regular season (16-0). However, in his own words, the most remarkable experience of this past summer involved a second go-around with USA Basketball.
“Yeah, the USA experience was a really cool one,” Roach noted. “I’d say it was the most important part of the summer to me just with the fact that I represented my country every time I stepped out on the floor; nothing is really bigger than that. We played the gold medal game against France in Argentina. The fan base over there in Argentina is CRAZY. All of our games sold out and the gym was packed every night.”
Roach also didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the USA experience came with a specific challenge.
“Fatigue. Fighting through that fatigue on a daily basis. That was probably the biggest challenge of my summer, to be honest. Playing for USA, you need to arrive knowing that you’ll have to go day in and day out. There’s two practices every day, each around three hours.”
The American squad would end up victorious in the title game, as Roach added a second gold medal to his trophy collection. Back in the summer of 2017, he participated on the USA Men’s U16 National Team and helped propel the group to an undefeated record, while winning the gold at the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship. This past June/July, he saw a greater role emerge on the USA U17 World Cup team; starting in every game with averages of 6.4 PPG and 2.7 APG. Last month, he made the trip to Colorado Springs for the USA Junior National Team October Minicamp.
“Playing at the minicamp was good, a lot of other great players attended. The organizers have actually changed the format a little bit since they’re now forming a partnership with the NBA, NBPA, and NCAA. So, they talked to us a lot in emphasizing good habits, what life is like in the NBA/college, and teaching us new rules too. Definitely learned a lot.”
While he’s always been a lead guard for any team he comes across, Roach found himself adjusting to different roles throughout his play with high school, travel, and national teams.
“I think playing with Team Takeover and USA was basically kind of the same because, on both teams, EVERYBODY is good; you just have to sacrifice for your team. I played more as a facilitator during the summer. Here (at Paul VI), I’m one of the main scorers for this team.”
Following his standout high school and offseason showings, the junior’s recruitment saw a great jump during the last few months, as he picked up offers from some of the ‘blue bood’ programs, including Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina. On November 1st, he cut his list to a ‘final four’, one that includes those three schools and Villanova. One may deem it interesting how Roach has already narrowed his options even before the start of his junior season. Regardless, he undoubtedly knows what he’s specifically looking for in a college program/environment and sees his own recruitment process as secondary when compared to his main upcoming goals.
“Right now, I’m just focused on what we can do at Paul VI this season. All the schools have done a great job in recruiting me and it’s all been a blessing, of course. But, right now, I’m just ready for the high school season to really get underway.”
When discussing upcoming goals for himself and the Panthers during his remaining two years in high school, Roach definitely has some particular ones in mind.
“The main one is winning a WCAC championship. We fell short of that last year… won the regular season but that wasn’t our main goal, obviously. Then, for me personally, I’m definitely trying to make Jordan Brand Classic and McDonald’s All-American selections. Those and hopefully WCAC player of the year.”
With their natural floor leader paving the way, audiences in Northern Virginia should expect the Panthers to continue their success going into this season and beyond. The back court duo of Roach and recent Virginia Tech commit, Anthony Harris, make up one of the more dangerous combinations in the entire country. Do not be surprised if we see Roach making his way up to become universally recognized as the top ranked point guard in the entire 2020 class. His advanced poise, IQ, and playmaking skills all speak volumes.
Hold on now, so where does Jeremy Roach see himself in ten years'
“Definitely still hooping. Hoping in the NBA, but at least still playing or doing something basketball-related. That’s the long-term goal.”
Roach has no time for rest. Big plans are to be accomplished!