Predicting Which Blue Devil Will Make Biggest Leap in 2026

From top to bottom, the Duke Blue Devils might be the most talented team in college basketball next season.

Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff built what is probably the deepest rotation in the country heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Duke will be long, elite defensively, and is as complete a roster as there is.

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With so many new, talented pieces coming in, some key players could get lost in the fold. However, there are several Blue Devils poised for breakout seasons.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) shoots past Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last year, Duke’s biggest breakout player was Patrick Ngongba. The 6’11” big man went from averaging 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in 10.6 minutes a night as a freshman to 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks a game in 21.9 minutes, playing his way into being a projected 2026 NBA Draft first-round pick.

Ngongba made more improvements on the court than most thought he could. Which Blue Devil has the best chance of making that same leap in 2026-27?

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) dribbles the ball past Duke Blue Devils guard Dame Sarr (7) during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dame Sarr Is Duke’s Biggest Breakout Candidate

In terms of “making the biggest leap,” meaning the biggest jump in production from year to year, Dame Sarr has to be the favorite. This isn’t a hot take either, as the 6’8″ wing is entering his sophomore year in Durham with lofty expectations.

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Sarr was a late addition to the Blue Devils’ 2025 recruiting class after playing professionally with FC Barcelona….

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Publish date : 2026-07-10 13:00:00

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