Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Duke Basketball Defeats Fellow Blueblood for Italian Sensation

Originally posted on Duke Blue Devils on SI
By Matt Giles | Last updated May 22, 2025 9:39 PM ET

Not even a week ago, as 247Sports' Travis Branham noted, "Kansas was tying a bow up on Dame Sarr." But it was Jon Scheyer's blueblood Duke basketball program that prevailed after swooping in during the homestretch of the Italian wing's recruitment.

Just a few days after completing an official visit with the Blue Devils, the 6-foot-7, 190-pound Sarr announced his commitment to Scheyer & Co. on Thursday.

Boasting a five-star rating and reported 7-foot wingspan, Sarr instantly becomes a projected Duke basketball starter for Scheyer's fourth season at the helm. He'll arrive in Durham this summer after emerging as a versatile talent in Spanish ACB and EuroLeague action this season, which included spending time as a teammate to a former Duke basketball one-and-done.

Dame Sarr is a key addition for Duke, stepping into an important role as a playmaking 3'n'D wing with Cedric Coward expected to stay in the draft.

He had a breakout performance at the Nike Hoop Summit, posting 17 points making big plays on both ends with his 7-foot wingspan. https://t.co/oG6oUSiotz pic.twitter.com/HszK8ZyTjI
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 22, 2025

"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."

The 18-year-old Dame Sarr has four years of college eligibility remaining. That said, he's projected to become a 2026 first-round draft pick.

This article first appeared on Duke Blue Devils on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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