Can Stanford Hoops Recover From Their Struggles Without a Former Duke Star?

One major reason why Stanford men’s basketball is having a difficult season is that former Duke guard Jeremy Roach is not playing.

The Cardinals were hoping for a successful season, but they have battled to establish consistency on both sides of the court without Roach’s leadership and playmaking skills. It was anticipated that Roach, who was instrumental for Duke, would bring to Stanford his winning mentality and experienced expertise.

He would have been a huge help because of his abilities to manage the tempo, assist with offense, and deliver clutch scoring. But in his absence, the Cardinals have struggled to produce in the backcourt and frequently falter against defensive pressure.

Stanford has struggled to keep up an offensive rhythm in recent games. Their shooting efficiency has suffered, and their turnover rate has gone up. Without a consistent floor general, the squad hasn’t had a trustworthy backup when things go tight.

Roach’s defensive instincts and on-ball pressure are missed, which has hurt the defense as well. Whether Stanford can adjust and bounce back is now the key question.

It will be necessary for players like Kanaan Carlyle and Michael Jones to step up and assume more responsibility. To make the most of the present roster’s skills, the coaching staff must also make changes, perhaps altering the offensive schemes.

Even though the future appears difficult, Stanford still has time to make things better. Without Roach, the group needs to come together, create chemistry, and forge a new identity. It’s unclear if they will recover, but one thing is certain—his loss is being felt more than anyone anticipated.