It’s been a busy offseason for Duke Basketball, despite having most of its roster set for the past few weeks. However, they’ve been looking to add at least one more piece on the wings for the 2025-26 roster. They had originally thought they had it in Cedric Coward, a 6’7 wing transfer from Washington State, who had committed to the Blue Devils a few weeks ago.
However, Coward had also entered the NBA Draft process. This decision didn’t work in Duke’s favor, as he became a standout to the point where he elected to stay in the draft as a likely first-round pick in June. Yet Coach Jon Scheyer had already had a backup option available in Dame Sarr, a 6’7 "wing prospect from Italy, who was viewed as a 5-star caliber player coming from overseas.
Sarr, who was linked with Illinois and Kansas at one point, is an elite athlete whose defense is already ready-made. With a growing offensive game, the international newcomer is a potential first-round pick in the 2026 draft. Depending on how much he comes along in the next few months, Sarr could very start on Day 1 next season.
But Duke wasn’t done yet, as they landed another class of 2025 prospect. This was a late pickup in Sebastian Wilkins, a 6’8 power forward prospect who picked the Blue Devils over former ACC rival, Maryland. Wilkins, who is a good shooter and floor spacer, was originally part of the 2026 class but upon committing to Duke, has reclassed to be able to join the program now.
He may not get a ton of minutes as a true freshman next year since top prospect Cameron Boozier will get most of the shine at the four-spot, but Wilkins is just another top-40 player joining the already deep Blue Devils.
When most teams lose a key player to the NBA Draft out of nowhere, they tend to take a big hit. But for Duke, they may have gotten even better.