Blue Devil Dominoes: Major Recruiting Week Unfolding for Duke Basketball
Three key prospects. One pivotal week. The future of Duke Basketball is about to get a lot clearer.
If you’ve been waiting for Duke’s 2025–26 roster to take shape, this is the week you’ve had circled on your calendar. Three major recruits Dame Sarr, Braydon Hawthorne, and Sebastian Wilkins are all nearing decisions, and the Blue Devils are in the thick of it for each one.
Let’s break it down.
Dame Sarr: Duke’s Next International Gem?
Dame Sarr, one of the most sought-after international prospects in the class, is currently on campus in Durham for what many believe is a formality before his commitment. At 6’5″, the Italian guard has drawn comparisons to past European stars for his silky shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and positional versatility.
Sources close to the situation say Duke is the heavy favorite to land him. The staff sees Sarr as a potential long-term piece who can stretch the floor, make plays off the bounce, and defend multiple positions. If a commitment happens this week as many expect it would mark another international win for Jon Scheyer, who has already proven he’s capable of mining overseas talent.
Braydon Hawthorne: Mystery Man Makes His Move Tuesday
Four-star guard Braydon Hawthorne is another piece Duke hopes to add but this one comes with a bit more suspense. The North Carolina native is set to announce his college decision on Tuesday night, choosing between Duke, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech.
Hawthorne’s recruitment has been a rollercoaster. He was once committed to WVU but reopened things after coaching changes, and since then has played it extremely close to the vest. Not even his parents know what he’s going to do, according to his recent post on X.
Still, many insiders believe Duke’s final visit made a strong impression. He’s a long, athletic guard who can play either backcourt spot and with the Blue Devils needing guard depth heading into the next cycle, Hawthorne could be an ideal fit.
But keep an eye on Kentucky and Virginia Tech, who have each made strong cases. Expect fireworks when he makes his call.
Sebastian Wilkins: Reclass Alert for a Duke Priority
Rounding out the trio is Sebastian Wilkins, the powerful 6’6″ wing from Atlanta. Currently listed in the class of 2026, Wilkins is widely expected to reclassify to 2025 and is down to Duke and Maryland heading into his decision on Friday.
The son of NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, Sebastian has elite athleticism and a rapidly developing offensive game. Duke sees him as a versatile two-way player who could thrive in their up-tempo system. The reclass possibility makes him an especially important name to track, as he could immediately bolster the 2025 group.
Wilkins has taken multiple visits to Durham and reportedly feels very comfortable with the program. Maryland, however, has made a strong push, and this battle could go down to the wire.
Why This Week Matters
For Jon Scheyer and the Duke staff, this is more than just a week of commitments it’s a defining stretch for what the next version of Duke Basketball will look like. After an offseason of transition and recalibration, bringing in a trio like Sarr, Hawthorne, and Wilkins would not only fill key roster needs, but also reignite momentum on the recruiting trail.
The outcome of these decisions could dictate Duke’s roster depth, future lineups, and their competitiveness on a national scale. Fans should buckle up because by Friday night, we’ll know a whole lot more about where the Blue Devils stand.
Will Duke land all three? Will a rival swoop in at the last second? Stay tuned the future is unfolding in real time.
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