Elhadji Dame Sarr’s basketball journey is a testament to ambition, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. Born on June 4, 2006, in Oderzo, Italy, to Senegalese parents, Sarr’s early exposure to basketball came through his local club, Basket Oderzo. At just six years old, he began honing his skills, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career.
In 2019, at the age of 13, Sarr moved to Bassano del Grappa to join Orange1 Basket Bassano. This move marked a significant step in his development, both physically and skill-wise. Over the next three years, he experienced a remarkable growth spurt, increasing his height by 20 centimeters. This physical transformation allowed him to transition from a guard to a shooting guard/forward, enhancing his versatility on the court. His performances in local tournaments caught the attention of scouts, leading to his recruitment by FC Barcelona in the summer of 2022
Upon joining FC Barcelona, Sarr began his tenure with the junior teams and Barça Atlètic, the club’s B team. His talent quickly became evident, and in January 2023, he made his professional debut in the Liga ACB, becoming the second-youngest player ever to play for Barcelona’s first team. Later that year, in November 2023, he debuted in the EuroLeague against Panathinaikos, further solidifying his status as one of Europe’s most promising young talents. Sarr’s breakout performance came in March 2025, when he scored 21 points in a Liga ACB game against CB Breogán, showcasing his scoring ability and potential.
Despite his success, Sarr’s time at Barcelona was not without controversy. In April 2025, he traveled to the United States to participate in the Nike Hoop Summit without the club’s permission. This decision led to a parting of ways between Sarr and Barcelona, with the club citing a breach of obligations. Nevertheless, Sarr expressed gratitude for his experiences at Barcelona and emphasized that the departure was amicable.
Following his departure from Barcelona, Sarr turned his attention to college basketball in the United States. On May 22, 2025, he committed to play for the Duke Blue Devils, a program renowned for developing NBA talent. Sarr cited the influence of former Duke players with Italian heritage, such as Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero, as factors in his decision. Joining Duke’s roster, Sarr is poised to continue his development in a competitive NCAA environment, with aspirations of entering the NBA Draft in the future.
Beyond his club commitments, Sarr has represented Italy on the international stage. He played for the Italian national team in the 2022 U16 European Championship, the 2023 U18 European Championship, and the 2024 U18 EuroBasket. In November 2024, he made his debut for the senior national team in a EuroBasket 2025 qualifier against Iceland, marking a significant milestone in his international career.
As Sarr embarks on his college basketball journey at Duke, the basketball world watches closely. His combination of size, skill, and versatility positions him as a potential standout in the NCAA and a future NBA prospect. With the guidance of Duke’s coaching staff and the experience gained from his time in Europe, Sarr aims to refine his game and achieve his professional aspirations. His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes worldwide, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
