🏀 Duke Reloads: Dame Sarr Era Begins as Blue Devils Revamp Starting Five for 2025-26
When it comes to building elite rosters, few programs strike as quickly and decisively as Duke. Under Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have mastered the modern formula: blend of raw talent, elite development, and a touch of international flair. Now, as the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes are on Durham — and on a name that’s suddenly taken center stage: Dame Sarr.
Yes, Duke basketball is flipping the script once again.
Once pegged as a future Jayhawk, the silky Italian sharpshooter Dame Sarr is now being heavily linked to the Blue Devils, a shift that could completely redefine next year’s starting five. With Cedric Coward likely staying in the NBA Draft, Duke is eyeing Sarr as the puzzle piece to take this promising team from hype to hardware.
And make no mistake — this new starting lineup? It’s explosive, bold, and frighteningly young.
🔵 Projected Starting Five for Duke in 2025-26
PG – Caleb Foster (Junior)
The lone upperclassman in a sea of rising stars, Foster enters this season with a massive opportunity. After a rocky sophomore year that saw him slide to the bench, Foster is now the veteran heartbeat of this roster. He’ll be the stabilizer, the voice, and the engine — and if he puts it together, don’t be surprised if he turns into one of the nation’s biggest breakout stories.
SG – Isaiah Evans (Sophomore)
Back like he never left. Evans tested NBA waters but ultimately chose to return to Durham, and that decision may define Duke’s season. As a freshman, 81% of his shot attempts came from deep. Now, with a bigger role, expect him to flash far more than just a three-and-D package. Think: lottery pick potential, unlocked.
SF – Dame Sarr (Freshman)
The international addition that changes everything. Sarr is fresh off a campaign with FC Barcelona, where he impressed in both EuroLeague and Liga ACB action, shooting a blistering 44.8% from three. He brings poise, pro experience, and a silky-smooth jumper. If Scheyer seals this deal, Duke gets a player who can make an impact from day one.
PF – Cameron Boozer (Freshman)
The crown jewel. Boozer isn’t just a top recruit — he’s a walking legacy, a national champion, and arguably the most complete freshman forward in the country. With power, finesse, and high IQ, Boozer is expected to dominate from the jump. His twin, Cayden, is also on the roster — but Cam is the one expected to own Cameron Indoor this year.
C – Patrick Ngongba II (Sophomore)
After an injury-limited freshman year, Ngongba is ready to anchor the paint. He showed flashes late last season — elite rim protection, a motor in transition — and now gets the starting nod at the five. If he can expand his offensive game and stay healthy, Ngongba could be the surprise weapon Duke needs in deep March.
🧠 Why This Matters
This projected starting five features four underclassmen — and that’s not a typo. Yet, with the blend of Evans’ scoring, Sarr’s international polish, Boozer’s brilliance, and Foster’s leadership, it’s not just a talented unit. It’s a team built for modern basketball. Stretch the floor. Switch everything. Attack in transition. Duke has the tools.
But they need Sarr to make it all work.
Coward’s likely departure left a void, but Scheyer responded like the seasoned coach he’s becoming — by targeting someone with pro-ready polish. Sarr’s recruitment, if successful, could be the final domino that turns this young Duke team into a legitimate Final Four threat.
🔮 The Big Picture
From Luka Doncic drama in Dallas to Cooper Flagg hype, the basketball world has been spinning lately — but what’s brewing in Durham might quietly be the biggest sleeper storyline of 2025.
Duke isn’t just rebuilding. They’re reloading with firepower, finesse, and a global vision.
Add Dame Sarr to the mix, and Duke’s 2025-26 campaign could go from interesting to iconic.
Stay tuned, because the Blue Devils might just be writing their next championship chapter — one sharp-shooting Italian at a time.
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