In a gym full of five-stars and future pros, it’s easy to get lost in the noise at Duke. But this summer, it’s been the quietest freshman on the floor who’s starting to make the most noise where it matters — on the court.
Dame Sarr didn’t come in with the same headlines as some of his classmates. There were no “can’t-miss” labels or preseason crownings. What he brought instead? A professional approach, a relentless motor, and an ability to make an impact without ever demanding the spotlight.
From day one of summer practice, Sarr has gone about his business with surgical focus. While others looked to impress, he looked to execute. Whether he was defending upperclassmen like Caleb Foster or switching onto wings like Isaiah Evans, Sarr made each rep count. No flare. No ego. Just production.
“He just does things,” one Duke staffer said. “He’s rarely out of position. He makes the extra pass. And if you give him space? He’ll knock it down without flinching.”
In one particular scrimmage, the gym got quiet after Sarr calmly drilled back-to-back threes — both in rhythm, both off solid defensive rotations. Then he followed it up by forcing a turnover on the next possession. No celebration. No chest-thumping. Just a glance to the bench, and back into the next play.
Meanwhile, the rest of the roster is deep and dangerous. Maliq Brown has brought toughness and veteran leadership in the frontcourt. Isaiah Evans is flashing more consistency on both ends. And Foster? He’s leading like a junior should — vocal, sharp, and poised.
But Sarr isn’t backing down from any of it.
He’s not outplaying them — yet. But he’s hanging with them. And more importantly, he’s winning over the trust of the staff by showing he can be relied on in real, competitive situations.
Summer practice is where reputations are built behind closed doors. It’s where future starters earn their minutes without fanfare. And right now, Dame Sarr is doing exactly that — no excuses, no hype, just good basketball.
If this keeps up, his name won’t stay quiet for long.
