Catching Up With Will Roach

Will Roach, a Raleigh native who played his high school ball at Broughton, was a fan favorite that played for the Pack from 2000-2005. We are thankful that Will took the time to chat with us while he was sitting on the back porch down at the beach on a family vacation. Here are a few highlights from the conversation.


WPH: Tell us what you've been up to after graduating from NC State?


Roach:I work for an otrthapedic trauma company called Synthes. We sell implants and instruments, it’s all plates, screws and rods. Basically any time our company does an orthopedic surgery, I sit in and make sure they have everything they need, that all the instruments are being used properly and making observations. I've been doing it for about 3.5 years now. I just kind of fell into it because I actually majored in Business Management with a Marketing concentration.

Also, I got married earlier this year and we have a baby on the way that is due in October.

WPH: What was your favorite part of being a part of the NC State basketball team?

Roach: From the very beginning I just loved all my teammates. They are my family. A couple of weeks ago I was a groomsmen in Scooter Sherill's wedding. Last year I was also in Levi Watkins wedding and he made all of us do a choreographed dance with the bridesmaids down the aisle. It was crazy. Numerous players have lived with my family and I was always bringing the guys over for meals. For instance, Ron Kelly lived with my family for a summer and Engin Atsur lived with my family for awhile. Actually, he came back in town not that long ago to have surgery and he stayed with my family during his recovery. Engin is going to be the God-Father of our kid that is on the way.

I am playing in the Chavis League with Tony Bethel and Jordan Collins right now. We just lost to Cliff Crawford's and Anthony Grundy's team last week in a close one. Marcus Melvin is in town right now. Grundy is as well. Levi and I probably talk at least twice a day. I drove up to Charlotte when Brian Keeter got in the car-wreck. Recently I played with Courtney Fells and Mike Bell in the Burger King 3-on-3 tournament.

The good thing is that we all stay in touch. The summer is my favorite time of year because everyone comes back in town. It's all about camaraderie. We were all sitting in the gym the other day reminiscing at the gym on all the great times playing together. I love my teammates.

WPH: When was the last time you talked with Julius Hodge?

Roach: The last time I talked with Julius was the morning after he got shot. Soon as I heard I gave Julius a call. He told me that all the guys were always telling him that he wasn't tough enough and Julius said "Will, do you think this makes me tough now?" Last I heard, Julius is back in the States trying to get back into the league this summer.

Speaking to Will you really understand that something unique happens when a group of players come together to form a team. They spend a majority of their time together, sweating and working, studying and hanging out. In order for a team to produce victories, the collective group must learn the art of humility and selflessness. They must truly learn to care for one another. The result is more than wins and losses, the result is a life-long bond.

Thanks for your time Will!