✈️ The start of the college basketball season is always a mix of high expectation and minor anxiety, and for the preseason No. 6 Duke Blue Devils, that anxiety centers on two critical defensive pieces: senior forward Maliq Brown and freshman guard Dame Sarr. While both players made the trip with the team to Knoxville for their final exhibition game against No. 18 Tennessee, their availability remains the biggest question mark hanging over the squad.
The uncertainty surrounding their injuries was already felt in their exhibition opener, a 96-71 win over the UCF Knights. While the Blue Devils ultimately secured the victory, the team struggled defensively in the first half, nursing a mere 40-39 lead into the locker room. The absence of the defensive prowess provided by Brown and Sarr was palpable—a missing link that the team will desperately need once the official season begins.
The Nature of the Injuries and Recovery Timeline
Both players are dealing with injuries that, while seemingly minor, require caution given the long season ahead.
Maliq Brown: The Knee Precaution
Brown, the versatile senior forward and former All-ACC Defensive Team selection, is dealing with a knee issue. He underwent a minor procedure in late September and has been sidelined since. He missed the team’s Countdown to Craziness scrimmage and the UCF exhibition, though Coach Jon Scheyer indicated Brown “frankly, probably could have played” in the latter, choosing instead to be cautious.
Scheyer’s strategy is clearly focused on the big picture, ensuring Brown is 100% for the season opener. Brown’s value extends beyond statistics; he’s capable of guarding virtually any position on the floor, making his defensive versatility essential for the Blue Devils’ system.
Dame Sarr: The Oblique Strain
The other piece of the puzzle is Dame Sarr, a highly-touted freshman guard. Sarr was on the court for the team’s intrasquad scrimmage but was held out of the UCF game due to an oblique injury. This is typically a muscle strain that affects core rotation and movement, making it tricky for a player who relies on athleticism and quick cuts.
However, the latest update is positive: Sarr returned to action for the exhibition finale against Tennessee. The notably athletic Italian sensation came off the bench and contributed five points, two assists, and one steal in 17 minutes, helping Duke secure a resilient 83-76 road victory over the Volunteers. His quick return suggests the injury was indeed minor, alleviating concerns about his status heading into the regular season.
A Social Media Hint of Optimism
Before the Tennessee game, a small detail from the team’s social media offered a glimmer of hope. Despite the initial injury reports, the Duke basketball accounts included both Brown and Sarr in a post showing the team boarding the plane to Knoxville. While seemingly trivial, featuring the long-limbed athletes prominently in the pre-game hype suggested their roles, both as leaders and potential contributors, were still very much at the forefront of the team’s thinking.
With Sarr already back on the court against Tennessee, the focus now squarely shifts to Maliq Brown. Scheyer’s goal is clear: “Our goal is to be ready for Texas and that first game.” Brown’s ability to change Duke’s defense will be crucial as they turn their attention to the official 2025-26 season opener in November. The Blue Devils, now having secured exhibition wins against UCF and Tennessee, are hoping their defensive stalwarts will soon be fully cleared for duty.