UPDATE: This post was updated on May 22.
By JAMES MADDEN & ADAM ZAGORIA
Five-star Dame Sarr committed to Duke on Thursday following an official visit earlier this week.
Sarr is a 6-foot-7, 190-pound guard from Italy and had drawn interest from many top programs in the country. Sarr plays for FC Barcelona of the Spanish LIGA ACB in Spain and averaged 5.8 points per game this season, appearing in 12 games for the team.
“Duke was my dream school,” Sarr told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. “I watched a lot of NCAA games this season, especially Duke. I played with Jabari Parker this season, who went to Duke. When I had the chance to go there, I had to take it.”
“My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA, “Sarr continued. “There’s no better place to prepare you for that than Duke. For me to be as NBA-ready as possible, and become the best version of myself, I needed to have both experiences — playing for a pro team like Barcelona, and playing in a different type of professional environment like Duke against other players my age. Opportunity, minutes, repetition — this route is the best next step for me at this time.”
Sarr also received heavy interest from Kansas, Oregon and Illinois and took an official visit to Kansas on May 7.
With Duke potentially losing Washington State commit Cedric Coward to the NBA Draft, Sarr will add a big wing to the mix that includes incoming freshmen Cam and Cayden Boozer and Nik Khamenia along with returning players Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba and Darren Harris. “Duke is losing Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor — who have a similar playing style as me,” Sarr said. “My winning mentality and ability to play alongside other good players, while creating shots for myself and others, will help me, along with my offense and defensive versatility. It’s a talented roster. We need the pieces to fit in well.” Follow James Madden on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram Like ZAGS on FacebookFeels like Sarr's commit generally isn't getting the buzz it might.
— Michael DeCourcy (@tsnmike) May 22, 2025
He was one of the best players on a Hoop Summit floor that also contained Cam Boozer and AJ Dybantsa.
Love that the developmental value of NCAA and @MarchMadnessMBB is being recognized worldwide. https://t.co/XnqCT8qpP2
