Meet the 2025 Duke Basketball Recruiting Class: A New Era Led by Dame Sarr

The Duke Blue Devils are no strangers to elite recruiting classes, and the 2025 group is shaping up to be yet another shining example of the program’s relentless commitment to excellence. Headlined by dynamic international guard Dame Sarr, this incoming class blends positional versatility, high basketball IQ, and the type of competitive fire that has become synonymous with Duke basketball. With a strong blend of five-star talent and underrated gems, head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff have built a group that is poised to make an immediate impact in Durham. Let’s take a closer look at each member of this exciting 2025 recruiting class.

At the center of this group is Dame Sarr, a 6-foot-5 combo guard from Italy by way of Spain, who has been climbing up the recruiting rankings and turning heads with his smooth game and pro-ready frame. Sarr, who plays for Overtime Elite and has international experience with the Italian national team, is widely regarded as one of the most polished guards in the class. His combination of elite shot-making, pick-and-roll savvy, and defensive tenacity has drawn comparisons to former Duke star Tyus Jones, though Sarr brings more length and a stronger frame at this stage. What sets him apart is his ability to adapt to the flow of the game—capable of running the offense as a primary playmaker or sliding off the ball to knock down threes and attack closeouts. With excellent footwork, a calm demeanor, and a mature approach to the game, Sarr is expected to be a day-one contributor and possibly the face of this recruiting cycle for Duke.

Joining Sarr in the backcourt is shooting guard Koa Peat, a 6-foot-8 wing from Arizona whose physicality and versatility have made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation. Peat, who hails from a family of elite athletes, brings a unique blend of strength, court vision, and perimeter skill that fits perfectly into Duke’s modern system. He can guard multiple positions, initiate offense in transition, and has shown flashes of brilliance as a passer. Peat’s frame allows him to bully smaller defenders, while his improved outside shooting makes him a tough cover for bigger wings. He’s not just a scorer—he rebounds, communicates, and plays with a high motor, making him a potential glue guy who can also take over when needed. Peat’s competitive spirit has already earned rave reviews from Duke staffers who believe his leadership and toughness will be crucial to the team’s chemistry.

Another standout in the class is forward Caleb Wilson, a 6-foot-9 stretch forward from Georgia who brings elite shooting touch and deceptive quickness. Wilson has long been considered one of the best pure scorers in the class thanks to his smooth left-handed jumper and his ability to get to his spots efficiently. What makes Wilson a Duke prototype is his ability to space the floor while still impacting the game inside. He’s not afraid to bang in the post, but he also thrives in pick-and-pop situations and can punish teams that sag off. Wilson’s frame has filled out over the past year, and with continued development on the defensive end, he projects as a modern 4 who can thrive in the ACC. His commitment signaled Duke’s continued emphasis on perimeter shooting and offensive versatility—two traits Scheyer has prioritized since taking over for Coach K.

Anchoring the frontcourt is 7-foot center Malachi Moreno out of Kentucky, a defensive stalwart who gives this class the interior presence it needs. Moreno is a shot-blocker with impeccable timing and a growing offensive arsenal. While still raw on the offensive end, he’s a fierce competitor who controls the paint with his rebounding and rim protection. Coaches have praised his work ethic, noting significant gains in strength and footwork over the past year. With his long wingspan and natural instincts, Moreno is expected to be a defensive anchor from the moment he steps on campus. He’ll benefit tremendously from Duke’s strength program and film work, which could help unlock his potential as a double-double machine.

Rounding out the class is point guard Jordan Smith, a late bloomer from the Midwest who has emerged as one of the top floor generals in the class. Though not as highly ranked as his classmates, Smith is a classic Duke-style point guard: heady, unselfish, and fearless. He excels at pushing the tempo, finding open teammates, and defending the point of attack. His leadership, both on and off the court, has impressed scouts and coaches alike. Smith isn’t flashy, but he’s rock-solid—a pass-first floor general who knows how to control pace and manage momentum. With Sarr’s scoring acumen and Smith’s steady hand, Duke’s backcourt is set to be both explosive and balanced.

Collectively, this 2025 recruiting class signals a bold, forward-looking vision for Duke basketball. It combines international flair, athletic dominance, and the mental makeup of future pros. The class balances skill and size, finesse and toughness. Perhaps most importantly, it reflects Jon Scheyer’s evolving identity as a head coach—one that honors the program’s elite tradition while embracing the modern game. Recruiting analysts have already tabbed Duke’s 2025 group as one of the top classes in the country, and potentially one of the most impactful in recent years.

Dame Sarr may be the headline name, but it’s the chemistry and complementary nature of this class that could make it truly special. With high basketball IQ, positional fluidity, and a shared commitment to winning, this group is primed to extend Duke’s legacy deep into the future. As the Blue Devils gear up for another run at national prominence, the 2025 class may just be the cornerstone of the program’s next great chapter.