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Duke's Potential 5-Star Kon Knueppel Replacement Sparks Strong Reaction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan D. Massey | Last updated May 19, 2025 11:02 PM ET

The Duke Blue Devils and head coach Jon Scheyer are set to lose a few key pieces from the 2024-25 roster. Two of the main names are Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.

Both freshman players were instrumental in Duke's run last season. Losing them will be tough to replace, but Scheyer has no choice but to attempt to do so.

Knueppel was overshadowed by Flagg throughout the season. However, he was just as valuable to the Blue Devils.

How could Duke replace Knueppel and the impact that he brought to the court. There is one five-star recruit the team is targeting who could answer that question. That player is none other than international recruit Dame Sarr.

Hailing from Italy, Sarr is one of the most coveted prospects available in the 2025 recruiting class. At this point, the Blue Devils appear to have a very legitimate chance to land a commitment from him.

As shared by Duke on X, Sarr was making his official visit on Monday.

BREAKING: International 5⭐️ Dame Sarr is currently on his official visit to Duke!#DukeWantsSarr pic.twitter.com/bKwqXMi9bI
— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) May 19, 2025

In response to the news that Sarr was visiting with the Blue Devils, fans took to social media to make it clear that they want to have him at Duke.

"Lock him in coach!!" one fan commented.

Another fan wrote, "hold him hostage until he commits."

"Don't let him leave without committing Coach!!!" a third comment read.

A fourth fan said, "Bring it home."

"Get him in," a fifth fan chimed in.

Sarr, who stands in at 6-foot-7 and 190 pounds, is also being recruited by other high-profile programs. He's getting interest from Kansas, Oregon, and Illinois.

247 Sports has delivered a crystal ball prediction for Sarr to land with the Blue Devils. Scheyer now needs to put the finishing touches on his recruitment and bring him onboard.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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