Former Illini Target Dame Sarr Projected as 2026 NBA Lottery Pick by ESPN

And throughout that whirlwind of a process, one thing stayed constant for Sarr: his ability to perform. Between showings with FC Barcelona and a standout performance at the Nike Hoops Summit, Sarr continued to climb up the rankings, reaching the 17th overall spot in On3’s class of 2025 rankings. (He remains unranked by 247Sports.)

Sarr’s play not only caught the eye of the college basketball world but also those at the next level. In ESPN’s 2026 NBA mock draft, Sarr was projected to go ninth overall by draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo.

Givony detailed Sarr’s strengths as a “versatile defender who has shown intriguing flashes as a perimeter shooter, passer and shot creator,” although Givony also mentioned that much of Sarr’s game is still developing – especially his decision-making.

Although it’s clear Sarr's upside and potential are nearly boundless, it remains to be seen whether the more experienced Stojakovic – who was pegged 45th in the 2026 draft by ESPN – was the right choice for the Illini.

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