In a bold move that signals Duke’s continued dominance on the international recruiting trail, five-star Italian shooting guard Dame Sarr has officially committed to the Blue Devils. Sarr, a 6-foot-5 perimeter threat with elite athleticism and a polished European skill set, made his announcement with a mix of national pride and collegiate excitement, saying he’s ready to bring his unique brand of basketball to one of the sport’s most storied programs.
For a school that has long prided itself on combining academic excellence with basketball tradition, this commitment is a high-impact addition to what is shaping up to be another stellar recruiting class for head coach Jon Scheyer. For Sarr, it’s the next step in an already international journey—one that has taken him from the streets of Italy to the IMG Academy in Florida, and now, to Cameron Indoor Stadium.
From Italy to the United States: A Basketball Journey
Dame Sarr was born and raised in Italy to Senegalese parents, giving him a richly multicultural background that mirrors his versatile game. While Italy has long been known for its passionate soccer culture, basketball has been on the rise—and players like Sarr are helping accelerate that growth. Inspired by global stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić, Sarr took to the hardwood early, developing a fluid game that blends European fundamentals with an American-style flair for creativity.
As his potential grew, so did the spotlight. Sarr began attracting attention from scouts throughout Europe and eventually earned a spot at Spain’s Stella Azzurra Academy—a pipeline for future pros. But Sarr’s eyes were on a bigger prize: American college basketball.
To better prepare for NCAA competition and increase his visibility to top programs, Sarr transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he joined one of the nation’s premier prep basketball programs. At IMG, he continued to improve his game, showcasing a refined shooting stroke, elite lateral quickness on defense, and a growing ability to create off the dribble.
A Versatile Weapon: Scouting Dame Sarr
Sarr’s skillset is as versatile as it is polished. He’s a shooting guard by trade but has the ability to slide into either backcourt position depending on the matchup. Offensively, he’s a three-level scorer—capable of knocking down threes from deep, finishing with finesse at the rim, and using a smooth midrange game to keep defenders honest.
Defensively, Sarr is perhaps even more intriguing. With a 6’9″ wingspan and high basketball IQ, he disrupts passing lanes, defends multiple positions, and takes pride in locking down opposing scorers. His lateral quickness and length make him an ideal fit for the kind of aggressive, switch-heavy defense that Duke has embraced under Scheyer.
Recruiting analysts have taken notice. 247Sports ranks Sarr as the No. 21 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 and the No. 4 shooting guard. Rivals and ESPN similarly place him among the top international recruits in his class, with many believing he has NBA lottery potential.
“Dame’s motor, IQ, and perimeter skills are already elite,” said ESPN recruiting insider Paul Biancardi. “He’s the type of two-way guard that can thrive in the ACC and has all the tools to play at the next level.”
The Duke Connection: Why Sarr Chose the Blue Devils
Sarr’s recruitment was highly competitive. Programs like Kentucky, Baylor, Michigan, and Oregon were in the mix, but in the end, Duke stood out.
In his commitment video, Sarr emphasized the “brotherhood” that defines Duke’s program—a sentiment echoed by many before him, from Zion Williamson to Jayson Tatum. “When I visited Duke, it just felt like family,” Sarr said. “The culture, the fans, the coaches—they made me feel at home. I knew it was the right place for me.”
Coach Jon Scheyer’s hands-on approach also played a major role. Scheyer flew out to Florida to watch Sarr in person, later spending hours on Zoom breaking down film and discussing how Sarr would fit into Duke’s system. “Coach Scheyer showed me how he believes in my game and wants me to be a big part of what they’re building,” Sarr said.
The academic side of Duke was another key factor. Fluent in multiple languages and known for his intellectual curiosity, Sarr has expressed interest in majoring in international business or communications. Duke’s strong academic reputation gave him reassurance that he’d be challenged off the court as well.
Fit Within the Blue Devils’ System
From a basketball perspective, the addition of Sarr brings instant value to Duke’s 2025–26 roster. His shooting, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ complement the program’s recent shift toward positionless basketball.
Assuming Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor depart after this season—likely bound for the NBA or professional leagues abroad—Sarr could step into a starting backcourt role as a freshman. He’ll have the chance to play alongside other top-tier talents like Isaiah Evans and Cooper Flagg, forming what could be one of the most dynamic lineups in college basketball.
With Sarr on the perimeter, Flagg on the wing, and a stable of bigs rotating in the post, Duke will have length, skill, and athleticism at every position. Moreover, Sarr’s unselfish style and commitment to defense make him an ideal fit for a team that values ball movement and team-first play.
Globalizing the Brotherhood
Sarr’s commitment also highlights Duke’s growing international presence. While the program has long featured international stars—Luol Deng (Sudan/UK), RJ Barrett (Canada), and Mark Mitchell (Nigeria)—Scheyer has made it a priority to scout globally, building a roster that reflects the worldwide nature of modern basketball.
“It’s not just about talent anymore—it’s about fit, development, and character,” said assistant coach Chris Carrawell. “Dame checks all those boxes. He brings a worldly perspective to our locker room, and he’s hungry to prove himself.”
Duke’s recent recruiting classes have increasingly featured players from outside the U.S., showing that the Blue Devils are adapting to the new era of college basketball where top talent comes from all corners of the globe.
What This Means for Duke
Sarr’s commitment is another major win for Jon Scheyer, who has quickly silenced any doubts about his ability to follow in the footsteps of Mike Krzyzewski. With the Blue Devils consistently landing top-tier talent and competing for Final Fours, the program has not only sustained its success—it has evolved.
Adding Sarr to the fold not only bolsters Duke’s 2025 recruiting class, which already includes five-star power forward Koa Peat and four-star point guard Jasper Johnson, but also sends a message: Duke is not just a top destination for American stars, but for elite prospects from around the globe.
This recruiting haul could potentially rival some of the best in Duke history—and that’s saying something for a school with multiple No. 1 classes over the past two decades.
A Message to the Duke Faithful
To the Cameron Crazies, Sarr had a special message. “I can’t wait to play in front of the best fans in college basketball,” he said. “Cameron Indoor is legendary. I’ve watched videos of the crowd, the chants, the energy—it’s like nowhere else. I’m ready to give my heart to this program.”
For Duke fans, the excitement is mutual. Social media erupted after Sarr’s announcement, with fans praising the Italian guard’s highlight reel and his infectious energy. Many believe he could be a program cornerstone, much like past international stars who have worn the blue and white.
Looking Ahead
As Sarr prepares for his senior year at IMG, his focus will be on fine-tuning his game and staying healthy. He’s expected to be invited to the prestigious Nike Hoop Summit and McDonald’s All-American Game, where he’ll have the chance to test himself against the best of the best.
But while the spotlight is sure to intensify, Sarr remains grounded. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I’ve worked hard to get here, but there’s still so much to prove. I’m ready for the challenge. I’m ready to be a Blue Devil.
