In a summer full of hype around Duke’s elite freshman class, it wasn’t projected No. 1 pick Cameron Boozer who caught the eye of veteran forward Maliq Brown. Instead, on The Brotherhood Podcast, Brown stunned listeners by naming Dame Sarr as the most impressive Blue Devil newcomer so far.
> “I would say Dame Sarr,” Brown told host Caleb Foster. “His wingspan, his length — he’s 6’6 or 6’7 — and just the feel he has for the game, on both ends, is crazy. Whether it’s scoring, defending, or passing out of a ball screen, he’s already helping the team.”
Dame Sarr’s Stock Is SKYROCKETING 📈
Sarr wasn’t even expected to be part of Duke’s 2025 class until late in the cycle. Originally favored to commit to Kansas — even earning a crystal ball prediction to Bill Self’s program — the Italian guard was a late recruiting steal by Jon Scheyer after Cedric Coward stayed in the NBA Draft.
Now, he’s making Duke fans forget all about what could’ve been.
Pro Pedigree, Elite Efficiency
Sarr arrives with professional experience, having suited up for FC Barcelona in both the EuroLeague and Liga ACB. Across 27 total games, he shot a jaw-dropping 53.7% from the field and 44.8% from beyond the arc, showing a poise and polish rarely seen in college freshmen.
And at 6’7, with defensive instincts and court awareness to match his shooting touch, Sarr is already competing for the starting small forward spot.
A Battle Brewing at the
Sarr’s main competition for the starting job? Incoming freshman Nik Khamenia, who is still overseas playing for Team USA at the U19 FIBA World Cup.
That’s given Sarr extra reps in workouts — and clearly, he’s maximizing every minute.
> “This take is going to raise some eyebrows,” one fan posted, “but Dame Sarr looks like the real deal.”
Don’t Sleep on Sarr…
While Cameron Boozer may have arrived in Durham with superstar buzz, Dame Sarr is quickly becoming the story of Duke’s summer. Between his pro experience, elite efficiency, and now the seal of approval from a senior leader like Maliq Brown, Sarr might just be the Blue Devils’ breakout freshman in 2025-26.
