Duke opened its 2026-27 season with a lopsided 102-62 scrimmage win over Belmont at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and the first look at this group came with plenty to like.
The biggest buzz out of the day centered on freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, and it didn’t take long to see why. The 7'1" rookie, a late addition to Duke’s 2026 recruiting class, arrived with strong summer momentum after turning heads on the international circuit.
In his first college action, he looked immediately at ease and affected the game everywhere. His scoring touch stands out for a player his size, but he also made his presence felt as a rebounder, passer, shot-blocker, and outside shooter.
Boumtje Boumtje looked like one of the best players on the floor from the opening stretch, and that was before he’d even logged a full college game. His performance only pushed expectations higher, especially when you consider that he is 17 years old and must spend at least two years in college basketball.
Duke’s defense also made a strong early statement. Even as the Blue Devils pulled away, they kept bringing effort, intensity, physicality, and connectivity on that end of the floor.
Once Duke was set in the half-court, Belmont had a hard time generating clean offense. The Bruins found some rhythm when they could get out and run, but attacking Duke’s set defense was a tough assignment.
With the length, depth, switchability, and physical edge already on display, this team’s defensive ceiling looks extremely high.
Sophomore Dame Sarr was another player who stood out. He entered the year as a breakout candidate after starting regularly as a rookie and already ranking among Duke’s best defenders, even though his three-point shooting still needed work.
Against Belmont, he showed there’s more to his game than being a 3-and-D wing. Sarr passed the ball well, attacked downhill, welcomed contact, and was a real force defensively.
After changing his body this offseason, he appears ready for a significant leap in his second college season.
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Kyrie Irvings situation is the one Blue Devils fans will keep watching most closely as preseason rolls on. His return to the court is still uncertain and will hinge on his physical condition and travel-related factors, which gives Duke supporters another reason to track the exhibition schedule with interest. Cam Boozer has also jumped out early, scoring in double figures in each of his first two preseason games, adding more Duke flavor to a fall full of familiar names. [Read more 🡒]
Duke Faces Its First Real ACC Road Test At Georgia Tech
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Georgia Tech brings the sort of challenge that can expose whether improvement has really taken hold, especially away from home. Duke has been strong in the second half of games and has carried momentum from week to week, but the next step is proving that same formula travels in conference play. For a team trying to establish itself in the ACC, this is the kind of road test that starts to separate a good opening from something more lasting. [Read more 🡒]
Duke Faces One Big Test As Jon Scheyer Reloads Again
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The challenge now is that the next version has to prove itself almost immediately. Dukes roster mix is tilted toward continuity, with four of last seasons top six scorers back and nine newcomers joining the fold, but the schedule is loaded with high-end tests and the margin for another deep March run may be thinner than it has looked in recent years. [Read more 🡒]