There was talk of transformation. A “new identity.” Duke’s stacked 2025 recruiting class brought in five elite prospects—Cameron Boozer, Dame Sarr, Nik Khamenia, Sebastian Wilkins, and Cayden Boozer—and many assumed this summer would be about easing them in, finding chemistry, and figuring out how to blend them with returners.
But after just a few practices?
It already feels like this team has been together for months.
From the jump, the intensity has been next level. Scrimmages have been heated. Drills are competitive. And the coaching staff isn’t treating the freshmen like freshmen—they’re challenging them. And they’re responding.
Dame Sarr has quickly become the name people can’t stop whispering about. The five-star combo guard isn’t just showing flashes—he’s delivering. His shot-making, decision-making, and confidence are putting serious pressure on returning guards like Darren Harris, who averaged 2.0 points per game last season. Sarr’s edge and pace are setting the tone for scrimmages, and the staff is taking notice.
Meanwhile, Cameron Boozer has come in as advertised. The No. 1 player in the 2025 class, Boozer is showing off his all-around game with poise beyond his years. He doesn’t force anything. He controls tempo. He plays like a vet. And his chemistry with twin brother Cayden Boozer, a steady and efficient guard, is giving the second unit a real spark.
Nik Khamenia, fresh off a stint with the USA U19 team, is earning early trust with his versatility and IQ. He’s already being used in multiple roles and showing he can contribute immediately. Sebastian Wilkins, who reclassified to join this group, is quietly carving out a role as a high-energy, do-it-all forward—making hustle plays that coaches love.
But the vets aren’t backing down.
Isaiah Evans, now a sophomore, looks more confident than ever. After averaging 6.8 PPG and breaking out against Auburn last season, Evans has returned stronger and more aggressive. Maliq Brown, the senior defensive ace who averaged 15.7 minutes and 1.3 steals per game, is anchoring the frontcourt and mentoring the young bigs. Patrick Ngongba II looks leaner, more explosive, and ready to expand on his 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game as a freshman.
Even with all the hype surrounding the freshmen, there’s no clear “new identity” yet. What’s showing up in practice isn’t a total transformation—it’s a refinement. The culture is the same: compete hard, communicate, defend.
The surprise?
This freshman class isn’t just adjusting. They’re leading. And they might accelerate Duke’s trajectory faster than anyone thought.
So yes—this is a new year, with a new roster.
But the identity? That’s pure Duke.
