Heading into summer workouts, Duke’s guard rotation felt solid. Isaiah Evans, the rising sophomore wing, was penciled in for a breakout year after averaging 6.8 points per game and flashing star potential with a huge performance against Auburn. Darren Harris returned as a sharpshooter, and Caleb Foster brought experience and steady ball-handling. The plan? Let the veterans lead, let the freshmen learn.
Then Dame Sarr arrived—and everything changed.
The five-star freshman was known for his scoring ability, but few expected him to look this polished, this early. Sarr hasn’t just flashed—he’s taken over scrimmages. Pull-up jumpers, deep threes, backdoor reads, even diving on the floor for loose balls—he’s checking every box.
And now, coaches are facing a very real problem: how do you keep this kid out of the lineup?
One player feeling the pressure? Darren Harris. While he proved himself as a shooter last season (2.0 PPG in 21 appearances), his limited versatility is becoming harder to justify when Sarr is outplaying him on both ends. Multiple practices have ended with Sarr closing out key drills—and getting vocal praise from coaches.
“You just don’t expect a freshman to take over like this,” one Duke staffer said. “But Dame is already demanding minutes.”
And he’s not alone.
Cameron Boozer, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, is drawing comparisons to former Duke greats with his size, control, and quiet dominance. He doesn’t force shots—he just makes the right play, every time.
Nik Khamenia, fresh off a gold-medal run with USA U19, is one of the most fundamentally sound players in the gym and is quickly earning the staff’s trust.
Sebastian Wilkins, a four-star reclass who committed early, is flying under the radar but standing out with energy and physical tools that translate to real game minutes.
Cayden Boozer, Cameron’s twin brother, is providing steady guard play and looks ready to contribute if called upon.
Among returners, Isaiah Evans is still the rising star to watch. His shot-making and confidence have only grown, and he remains a key piece of the offense. Maliq Brown, the senior forward who averaged 15.7 minutes and 1.3 steals last season, is anchoring the defense. Patrick Ngongba II is stronger, more mobile, and ready to take a leap from his 3.9 PPG rookie campaign.
But the buzz around Duke’s summer sessions centers on one name.
Dame Sarr isn’t waiting for his turn. He’s trying to take yours.
The rotation looked set. The veterans looked safe.
But now Jon Scheyer has a decision to make—and it’s a good problem to have.
Because Dame Sarr is no longer just part of the future.
He might be the present.
