Roach Poised to Turn Still More Heads
Ron Bailey, Publisher
October 28, 2008 – There is a point guard in the Washington, D.C. area many ‘recruiting mavens’ don’t recognize, despite the attention he has received from major colleges. What’s more puzzling is this oversight exists despite the young man’s presence on the high profile Montrose Christian School’s team. Recruitniks nationally will soon be very aware of Jordan Roach.
Standing around 5’10” and weighing 160 pounds, Jordan, now a sophomore, first started turning heads in the Capital region last high school season, substituting for a hurt Montrose teammate around mid-year. In his new role Roach excelled, as in late August he pegged his high school season’s averages as “seven or eight points and nine or 10 assists a game”.
Montrose’s coach, Stu Vetter, acknowledged his young lead guard’s contributions during last year’s campaign. “He had an opportunity to play varsity as a freshman” noted Vetter, of something that is not commonplace in his program. “He did a great job…He can run a team”.
"I'm just pushing it as fast as I can" said Roach of his ability to run a team in a fast break setting. To opponnent's chagrin, he can direct the show in the half court also, as well as defend.
Roach’s proficiency in setting the table offensively for a team populated with Division I-caliber standouts was also recognized by Isaiah Armwood, after Vetter supplied his comments, during the Hoop Magic Stu Vetter Coaching Clinic. “He did a real good job for us” said the senior forward who next year will be attending and playing for Villanova University. “This year, he’ll probably be starting”.
Those same traits that made him so precocious at Montrose – quickness, decent strength, the ability to attack the rim, defensive skill and a penchant for finding open teammates were on display this travel team season with the Maryland Bulls: Coached by Joe Thompson, the Bulls are perennially overlooked by some, a crucial oversight, as the team plays hard, shares the ball, and its players appear to improve. Essentially, they play the right way.
“He along with Tyler Hubbard (another Montrose and Bull player) are two of the best guards in the area” opined Thompson , a firm but fair coach that seemingly demands the most of his players – they played well in Hoop Magic Back 2 School Showcase (also held at Hoop Magic Sports Academy) action.
What does he expect Jordan to improve upon?
“His jump shot and free throws” quickly responded Thompson, who on a positive note added “His defense is phenomenal”.
To Jordan’s credit, he readily identified “My jumper, definitely” as the most glaring weakness in his game; though he can hit the ‘J’, the Texas transplant who now is a Capital Hill (DC) resident can hit shots, but at times will shy away from them, choosing instead to exploit his quickness, handle, and passing ability.
According to Roach during this interview, recruiting information had been received from Georgetown, VA Tech, Miami and NC State.
“I would like to go to a school that likes to run a lot” shared Jordan, a laid back young guy. Later he responded “I want to go to Louisville” when asked to provide his proverbial ‘dream school’.
Due to young age and the recruitment sure to follow, take his high interest in the Cardinals with a grain of salt; it’s not that he will not end up at the school, but other options will enter the picture, and naturally Jordan could change his mind - 2011 is a long time away.
For whatever school he decides upon, Jordan Roach will be a keeper.