Dame Sarr, the No. 17 overall recruit in 2025, commits to Duke over Kansas. The 6-foot-6 Italian wing has played professionally with FC Barcelona, bringing elite international experience.

In a major recruiting win for Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils, five-star international prospect Dame Sarr, ranked No. 17 overall in the 2025 class by On3, has officially committed to Duke. The 6-foot-6, 18-year-old wing from Italy chose the Blue Devils over fellow blue-blood program Kansas, capping off a recruitment that drew significant attention across Europe and the U.S.

Sarr has most recently been competing at the highest levels of international basketball with FC Barcelona, showcasing a mature skillset, polished offensive game, and versatile defensive ability. His commitment represents another step in Duke’s increasingly global recruiting strategy and solidifies the Blue Devils’ position as one of college basketball’s most attractive destinations for elite international talent.

“A Perfect Fit”

In an exclusive announcement with On3, Sarr said Duke’s program aligned with both his development goals and his personal aspirations.

“I chose Duke because of the culture, the opportunity to grow, and the chance to play for a coach that believes in my game,” Sarr said. “Coach Scheyer showed me how I’d fit into their system and how they could help me become the best version of myself—on and off the court.”

Sarr cited his conversations with the Duke staff, the player development track record, and the university’s balance of elite academics and athletic prestige as key factors in his decision.

International Experience, NBA Potential

What sets Dame Sarr apart from many of his peers in the 2025 class is his extensive experience playing in a professional environment. As part of FC Barcelona’s developmental system, he has trained and competed alongside and against seasoned veterans and top European prospects—giving him a physical and mental edge as he transitions to the college game.

At 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Sarr possesses elite tools for a modern wing. His combination of length, fluid athleticism, shooting touch, and defensive switchability makes him a tantalizing NBA prospect. Scouts have compared him to a young Franz Wagner, noting his ability to play on or off the ball, guard multiple positions, and read the game at a high level.

Sarr has shown impressive shot-making from beyond the arc, a solid handle in transition, and a willingness to attack the rim with both power and finesse. His basketball IQ is especially notable—no doubt honed by years in the European system, which emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and smart team play.

“He plays with the poise of a veteran and the skill of a top NBA draft pick,” said an NBA international scout who watched Sarr in Spain. “Duke is getting a guy who’s ready to contribute immediately.”

A Major Recruiting Victory for Jon Scheyer

Since taking over for Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, Jon Scheyer has kept Duke at the forefront of elite recruiting. But Sarr’s commitment marks a significant evolution under his leadership—further solidifying Duke’s ability to recruit high-level talent on a global scale.

This isn’t the first time Duke has landed a European prospect (see: Mark Mitchell, who has dual American-French citizenship), but Sarr is the highest-ranked international high school player to commit to the Blue Devils since Scheyer took over in 2022.

“Jon Scheyer’s staff identified Sarr early, built a relationship, and closed the deal,” said recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw. “That’s how you win at the highest level in today’s game—you go worldwide.”

Duke beat out Kansas, another program with a strong international recruiting reputation under Bill Self. While Kansas made a strong late push, the consistent messaging from Duke’s coaching staff and the opportunity to compete on one of college basketball’s biggest stages proved decisive.

The Fit: How Sarr Complements Duke’s Roster

Sarr’s commitment comes at a pivotal time for the Blue Devils, who are expected to lose several key players to the 2025 NBA Draft. His addition gives Duke an instant-impact wing with both offensive and defensive upside.

Scheyer envisions Sarr as a multi-positional player who can initiate offense, space the floor, and defend positions 1 through 4. His versatility allows Duke to play him in a variety of lineups—small ball, switch-heavy defensive schemes, or traditional half-court sets.

One key attribute Sarr brings is shot creation. Whether it’s attacking closeouts, creating off the dribble, or moving off screens, he adds a dynamic scoring threat that Duke has sometimes lacked on the perimeter. He also excels as a secondary playmaker, using his size to see over defenses and find open teammates.

On defense, Sarr’s length, agility, and anticipation allow him to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and rotate quickly. He’s the kind of wing who can blow up a pick-and-roll, recover to the corner, and then lead a fast break—all in one possession.

International Trend in College Hoops

Sarr’s commitment is the latest sign of a growing trend: elite international players choosing the college route rather than going pro immediately or staying in European leagues. For Sarr, the decision was about exposure, development, and competition.

“Playing at Duke gives me the chance to grow against the best players in the world before going to the NBA,” Sarr said. “And I get to do that while getting a great education.”

With the success of international players in recent NBA drafts—Victor Wembanyama (France), Luka Dončić (Slovenia), and others—there’s growing recognition that international training, when combined with American college basketball exposure, creates an ideal path to the pros.

College programs like Duke, Gonzaga, and Arizona have leaned into this trend, making international scouting and development a major part of their recruiting strategy.

Reactions to the Commitment

As news broke of Sarr’s commitment, social media lit up with praise for the Italian wing and excitement from Duke fans:

• Former Duke star JJ Redick: “Love this pickup for the Brotherhood. Dame Sarr is smooth, skilled, and has a crazy ceiling. Can’t wait to see him in Cameron!”
• ESPN’s Paul Biancardi: “Dame Sarr’s game translates beautifully to the college level. Shot-maker with size and maturity. Scheyer just added a future pro.”
• Duke commit Isaiah Evans (2025): “Let’s goooo bro!! We about to run it next year. Welcome to the family!”

Sarr joins a loaded 2025 Duke class that already includes four-star guard Jaylen Harrell and five-star forward Cameron Barnes, giving the Blue Devils a top-three class nationally and a lineup with size, skill, and international flavor.

What’s Next for Sarr?

Before he arrives in Durham, Sarr will continue to play in Spain, where he’s expected to log more minutes with FC Barcelona’s top developmental team. His training there—against grown men and future EuroLeague stars—will only sharpen his readiness for the college game.

Duke’s staff plans to integrate him slowly, focusing on physical development, defensive concepts, and preparing him for the speed and physicality of ACC play.

“We’ll put him in a position to succeed,” Scheyer said. “He’s a special talent, but what makes him even better is his attitude. He wants to work, wants to learn, and wants to win.”

Final Thoughts

Dame Sarr’s decision to commit to Duke is about more than basketball—it’s a signal that the international talent pipeline is now flowing directly through Durham. For a program with a storied history, a passionate fan base, and a modern vision under Jon Scheyer, landing a player of Sarr’s caliber confirms that Duke is still among the elite destinations in the sport.

With his professional background, physical tools, and mature game, Sarr is poised to be a star in college basketball—and perhaps the next great Blue Devil to make the leap to NBA stardom.

One thing is clear: the world is watching. And Dame Sarr is ready for the spotlight.