Duke Basketball’s Strategic Pursuit of Italian Shooting Guard Dame Sarr
Duke Basketball’s Strategic Pursuit of Italian Shooting Guard Dame Sarr
In the evolving landscape of college basketball recruiting, Duke University has set its sights on a promising international prospect: Dame Sarr, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Italy. Currently playing for FC Barcelona in Spain’s Liga ACB and the EuroLeague, Sarr has garnered attention for his impressive performances, including a standout showing at the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit. His potential to impact the game has led to significant interest from top-tier programs, with Duke emerging as a key contender for his commitment.
Born in Oderzo, Italy, on June 4, 2006, Dame Sarr began his basketball journey at the age of six with Basket Oderzo. His talent quickly became evident, leading to stints with Orange1 Basket Bassano and eventually FC Barcelona in 2022. During the 2024–25 season, Sarr played for both FC Barcelona’s senior team in Liga ACB and the EuroLeague, showcasing his skills on a prominent stage. Notably, he averaged 5.8 points per game with a 42.9% shooting percentage from beyond the arc in Spain’s top division. His versatility and defensive capabilities have made him a sought-after prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, though he is also considering collegiate options .
Sarr’s performance at the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit further solidified his reputation. In this prestigious event, he scored 17 points and grabbed four rebounds, impressing NBA scouts and solidifying his status as a top international prospect . His ability to perform under pressure and against elite competition has made him an attractive option for programs seeking to bolster their backcourt.
Duke University, under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, has been proactive in its pursuit of international talent. The Blue Devils have already secured commitments from top-tier recruits such as Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Nikolas Khamenia, and Shelton Henderson, positioning themselves with the No. 1 recruiting class for 2025 . Recognizing the value of adding a dynamic shooting guard like Sarr, Duke has intensified its recruitment efforts.
Assistant coach Jai Lucas has been instrumental in evaluating prospects, attending various events to scout talent. While specific visits to watch Sarr have not been publicly reported, Duke’s interest is evident through their engagement with international recruits and their proactive approach to identifying top talent globally.
Sarr’s skill set aligns well with Duke’s playing style. His proficiency in shooting, particularly from three-point range, complements Duke’s emphasis on spacing and perimeter scoring. Additionally, his defensive prowess and ability to guard multiple positions would enhance Duke’s defensive schemes. Integrating Sarr into Duke’s system could provide the team with a versatile and dynamic player capable of making an immediate impact.
Despite Duke’s interest, securing Sarr’s commitment is not without challenges. Other programs, such as Kentucky, Illinois, and BYU, have also expressed interest, recognizing Sarr’s potential to elevate their programs . Moreover, Sarr’s eligibility for the 2025 NBA Draft adds complexity to his recruitment. If he chooses to declare for the draft, it could limit his collegiate options, including the possibility of joining Duke.
Duke University’s pursuit of Dame Sarr underscores the program’s commitment to recruiting top-tier talent, both domestically and internationally. While the competition for Sarr’s commitment is fierce, his potential to contribute to Duke’s success makes him a valuable target. As the 2025 recruiting cycle progresses, the Blue Devils will continue to evaluate their options and strategize to secure commitments that align with their goals and needs.
