Thu May 22 18:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Duke Lands International Star Dame Sarr Following Nail-Biting Loss to Houston**
DURHAM, NC – Duke University received a significant boost to its basketball program with the commitment of highly touted international prospect Dame Sarr, a 6-foot-8 wing from Italy. The announcement comes on the heels of a heartbreaking loss for the Blue Devils in the closing seconds of a matchup against Houston. A missed jumper by Cooper Flagg and a subsequent foul left Duke short, culminating in a failed last-second heave from Tyrese Proctor, sealing the Cougars’ victory.
Sarr, who previously played for Barcelona in the Spanish ACB league and Euroleague, chose Duke over other options, citing it as his “dream school” and the best environment to prepare him for his ultimate goal of playing in the NBA.
“There’s no better place to prepare you for [the NBA] than Duke,” Sarr told ESPN. “For me to be as NBA-ready as possible, and become the best version of myself, I needed to have both experiences — playing for a pro team like Barcelona, and playing in a different type of professional environment like Duke against other players my age.”
The 16-year-old made his debut for Barcelona in 2023 and quickly became a rotation player. He also debuted with the Italian senior national team last November.
Sarr’s decision to participate in the Nike Hoop Summit last month, where he showcased his talent against elite US high school players, caused some friction with Barcelona, who initially approved his participation but later rescinded that approval when he became a crucial part of their rotation. Despite the controversy, Sarr maintained that he had an agreement to attend the event and left Barcelona on good terms.
Looking ahead to his role at Duke, Sarr said, “Duke is losing Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor — who have a similar playing style as me,” Sarr said. “My winning mentality and ability to play alongside other good players, while creating shots for myself and others, will help me, along with my offense and defensive versatility.”
He is expected to fill a crucial role on the wing for the Blue Devils next season, adding versatility on both ends of the court alongside rising sophomore Isaiah Evans and a talented incoming class featuring McDonald’s All-Americans Cameron and Cayden Boozer, and forward Nikolas Khamenia. Sarr also mentioned returning players Evans, Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba, Malique Lewis and Darren Harris. He hopes to offset the loss of Knueppel and Proctor.
Sarr, who recently completed an official visit to Duke, plans to enroll after obtaining his visa next month. The addition of Sarr is a significant win for Coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils program, solidifying their position as a top contender in college basketball.
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