Following a challenging season that saw the Duke Blue Devils miss the Final Four and lose their entire starting lineup to the NBA, coach Jon Scheyer and his staff are focused on rebuilding a competitive roster for the 2025-26 season.
Duke has embraced the “one-and-done” approach for years, consistently attracting elite talent, and this recruiting cycle is no different. The recent addition of Italian wing Dame Sarr, who joins forces with highly regarded Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, set the stage for Duke’s next chapter as they prepare for the 2025-26 season.
Dame Sarr Brings International Experience to Duke
Duke officially added Sarr, a five-star shooting guard from Italy, to their incoming class. Standing 6-foot-8, with a remarkable 7-foot wingspan, Sarr offers a blend of athleticism, shooting, and defensive versatility.
Before taking his talents to Durham, N.C., Sarr gained professional experience with FC Barcelona, averaging 3.6 points and 1.1 rebounds in 37 games and limited minutes in 2024-25 between La Liga and EuroLeague play while displaying notable potential.
NEWS: Dame Sarr has committed to Duke, he told ESPN.
The 6'8 Italian wing is a projected first-round pick in 2026.
STORY: https://t.co/1ZdinTIhu2 pic.twitter.com/GWWomzyfJz
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 22, 2025
Sarr’s decision to commit to Duke came after a significant roster shift. Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, who had also pledged to Duke, saw his draft stock soar following a strong showing at the NBA Draft Combine, making his departure for the NBA all the more likely. This opened the door for Sarr, who had been considering Kansas, to join the Blue Devils instead.
Sarr was drawn to Duke by the program’s history of developing NBA talent and its winning culture. His previous experience playing alongside former Duke star Jabari Parker at Barcelona further influenced his choice.
Duke’s roster construction continues to emphasize size and versatility, with Scheyer maintaining one of the tallest lineups in college basketball. Sarr’s length and skillset are expected to be critical pieces as the team reloads for the upcoming season.
Boozer Twins Add Versatility to Duke’s Roster
Earlier in October 2024, Duke announced commitments from twin brothers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the sons of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer.
Cameron, a 6-foot-9 power forward ranked No. 3 nationally in the ESPN 100 for the 2025 class, is widely regarded as one of the top high school prospects. Known for his polished offensive game, relentless rebounding, and high basketball IQ, Cameron has dominated at the EYBL circuit and internationally, earning MVP honors at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship and U17 World Cup.
READ MORE: When Does the 2025-26 College Basketball Season Start? Key Dates You Need To Know
His brother, Cayden, a 6-foot-5 point guard ranked No. 17 nationally and No. 5 at his position, is an elite playmaker and floor general. Renowned for his vision, passing accuracy, and leadership, Cayden led the Nike EYBL circuit in assists and boasts an international gold medal résumé similar to his brother’s.
Together, they form a complementary inside-outside duo and led their high school team to three consecutive Florida state championships.
Which Freshman Will Make the Biggest Impact for Duke?
Sarr and the Boozer twins bring different strengths that could shape Duke’s freshman year. However, Sarr’s professional experience and exceptional length give him a defensive edge and the ability to guard multiple positions early on.
On the other hand, Cameron and Cayden offer a dynamic inside-outside combination. Cameron’s scoring and rebounding skills perfectly complement Cayden’s playmaking and leadership as a point guard. Their built-in chemistry could help them quickly find their rhythm within Duke’s system.
With these distinct skill sets, each freshman has the potential to make a meaningful impact, giving Duke multiple ways to approach the season and build its roster.
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