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For months, the Duke Blue Devils have been labeled a national title favorite and arguably the top team in college basketball for the 2026-27 season. Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff assembled a roster that combines experience, continuity, and elite talent, making it one of the deepest in the country. On Thursday night, fans finally got their first glimpse of this group in action, and the Blue Devils lived up to the hype with a 102-62 exhibition win over Belmont at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Duke's defense looked suffocating from the start, and while the team may lack the singular dominant force it had in previous seasons, it boasts offensive weapons across the board. Sophomore Dame Sarr and freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje paced the Blue Devils with 19 points apiece. The depth that was touted in the preseason was on full display: Duke shot 53.1% from the field, assisted on 16 of 34 made baskets, and had 10 different players score. Seven different Blue Devils also connected from beyond the arc. Notably, Caleb Foster (ankle) and Drew Scharnowski (knee) sat out due to injuries.
While offensive cohesion often takes time, Duke already appears to be one of the most intense and overwhelming defensive units in the nation. Belmont struggled to find any rhythm in the half-court, shooting just 34.5% from the field and 7-of-30 (23.3%) from three-point range. The Blue Devils dominated the paint, outscoring Belmont 44-20, and controlled the glass with a 46-28 rebounding advantage, including 17 offensive boards. Duke also forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 20 points.
However, the performance was not flawless. The Blue Devils committed 16 turnovers and had some miscues on both ends. Still, in their first live action of the season, they looked every bit like a legitimate national championship contender.
Following the 40-point victory, Boumtje Boumtje shared what the team learned from facing an opponent for the first time. "I think just what we need to do as a team to win," he said. "Like, obviously playing against each other, you can kind of figure things out, but it's hard when you're playing against each other because everybody's good and everybody's going to win. And the other teams that we play are great, but I think we're one of the best teams in the country, so just keep pushing through that and that'll show us what we really need to work on to get to a championship."
Key Analysis
Boumtje Boumtje and Sarr spearheaded the offensive effort, but their impact went beyond scoring. Sarr, who has been discussed as a breakout candidate if he can develop a consistent three-point shot, displayed a more versatile game. He attacked the rim, rebounded well, and showed an improved all-around offensive skill set, proving he is more than just a 3-and-D wing. The Italian wing appears to have made a significant leap this offseason.
Meanwhile, Boumtje Boumtje's hype will only grow after an impressive college debut. The 17-year-old looked poised and comfortable, finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. He already looks like one of Duke's best all-around players.
It was a strong start for the Blue Devils, though there is room for improvement. Nevertheless, Duke validated the preseason buzz in its first game. The Blue Devils will next face Tennessee in an exhibition game on October 20.