Jeremy Roach reveals advice Paolo Banchero gave Duke

Jeremy Roach and the Duke Blue Devils are getting some advice from a familiar face in Paulo Banchero ahead of the NCAA Tournament.

While Banchero was with Roach and the Blue Devils last season for their Final Four run, he’s now with the Orlando Magic in the NBA. As Roach and the rest of his Duke teammates prepare to take on Oral Roberts in Thursday’s Round 1 action, the Blue Devils star elaborated on some words of wisdom his former teammate imparted on him.

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“Just staying locked in,” stated Roach. “He already knows what it takes. We made it to the Final Four last year, so he knows what the tournament throws at you. But it’s just staying locked in for all the games and taking it one game at a time. That’s the big thing.”

Of course, Duke enters the showdown coming off an ACC Tournament title, and as one of the hottest teams in the country. Nevertheless, some wisdom from an old star teammate certainly can’t hurt as they prepare for a huge game.

Jeremy Roach will look to make Paulo Banchero, along with all Duke faithful and alumni, proud on Thursday against Oral Roberts.

Jeremy Roach shares how he is keeping Duke focused for 12-seed matchup

Moreover, Jeremy Roach knows that it’s important to stay focused in the first round of the NCAA Tournament or risk falling victim to an upset. 

As Roach explained, the most important thing is maintaining focus as a team, believing the Blue Devils need to keep their eyes on the prize.

“Like I said before, keeping the main thing the main thing, not worrying about what we did in the ACC Tournament or how well we’ve been playing before,” Roach said. 

“Just got to keep it going, do what we’ve been doing, don’t try to change anything up, and just stay locked in.”

In the NCAA Tournament, there is a long history of 12 seeds pulling off opening game upsets. Still, as long as a team like Duke doesn’t get ahead of itself, there is a talent gap that should ultimately be a deciding factor in the game. 

Duke will play Oral Roberts in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, where they’ll hope to keep the Golden Eagles star guard Max Abmas at bay.