Duke Newcomer Boumtje Boumtje Sets Early Mood for UNC Rivalry

Duke basketball incoming freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje has a chance to be one of the best rookies in college basketball next season.

The 7’1″, 230-pound forward was a late international addition to head coach Jon Scheyer and Co.’s 2026 recruiting class, similar to Dame Sarr’s commitment to Duke in 2025.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; UConn Huskies guard Malachi Smith (0) drives to the basket as Duke Blue Devils guard Dame Sarr (7) defends 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

Boumtje Boumtje has quickly gained traction as an elite prospect following his performances at the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague Tournament and the FIBA U17 Men’s World Cup this summer.

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All college basketball fans know the rivalry between Duke and North Carolina is the best the sport has to offer. Boumtje Boumtje just set the early mood for the two matchups between the blue-blood programs next season.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen 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

Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje Sets Mood for Duke/UNC Rivalry

On the newest episode of The Brotherhood Podcast, Boumtje Boumtje sat down with Sarr to discuss his recruitment and ultimate commitment to Duke. Boumtje Boumtje had a great opening statement before his first experiences with the Duke/UNC rivalry.

“I liked a lot of the schools that I had offers from, but, at the end of the day, I think the thing that sold it was, if I go to one of these schools, I feel like I’m missing out on Duke,” Boumtje Boumtje said. “For Duke, I didn’t feel that way..I didn’t feel like I was missing out on going to, I don’t know, UNC for example.”

“Like, it would’ve been great, but, I feel like I would’ve been…

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Publish date : 2026-07-14 15:00:00

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