Former FC Barcelona Guard Dame Sarr has committed to Duke

Jon Scheyer does it again, hitting on another high value target, this time an international prospect and former FC Barcelona guard, Dame Sarr ( pronounced DAH-may). Sarr joins the Blue Devils fresh off of an impressive showing at the Nike Hoops Summit, where he played against now teammates Cayden & Cameron Boozer and Nik Khamenia. The commitment came shortly after Sarr visited Durham, Monday, May 19th. The addition of Sarr shores up the backcourt for the Blue Devils for the upcoming season. The 6’7, wing was thought to be a Kansas lean, so much that several recruiting experts had penciled him into Kansas’ lineup for next season. In stepped Duke coach Jon Scheyer and the rest, as we know, is history.  Sarr joins a backcourt for the Blue Devils that includes junior Caleb Foster, Sophomores Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris as well as freshman Cayden Boozer – the Blue Devils also garnered a commitment from Princeton guard Jack Scott who will provide some age and leadership to the young backcourt.

Born in Oderzo in the Italian region of Treviso in 2006, Sarr began his career with local academy Orange Basket Bassano at 13.  In his three seasons at Bassano del Grappa, Sarr grew 8 inches, prompting a move to shooting guard /small forward. The now 18-year-old Italian, of Senegalese descent, began his pro career in 2022-2023 with FC Barcelona B (the reserve team) before making the active roster in the 2024-2025 season. Sarr became the second-youngest player ever in the Endesa League for Barça in the 2022-23 season when he appeared in a game against Bilbao Basket. In November 2023 he made his debut in the Euroleague against Panathinaikos, appearing again in the competition the same season in a meeting with Zalgiris Kaunas. Sarr has represented Italy in several youth-level competitions, most notably the 2022 U16 European Championship, the 2023 U18 European Championship and the 2024 U18 EuroBasket.

As far as what Sarr can bring to Duke: he’s a great downhill guard who, despite a thinner frame, can finish through contact. Has above the rim abilities and while not a freak athlete would be one of Duke’s best athletes this season. He’s a good passer whose shot has progressed well over the past couple of years. Sarr utilizes ball screens well and gets to the rim well. He creates separation with a good handle and long strides, but still needs to add weight and strength. Sarr is at his best when he’s attacking close outs, making quick decisions and using his angles.  Sarr has the length to be bothersome on defense, just has to exert more discipline, and Duke is the place to foster that skill. Duke will have to rein him in somewhat, but I think in the Duke system he can flourish with buy in. I thought long and hard about a comp for Sarr, not sure why, I really hate player comps but a name that does come to mind in terms of what he does well is Caris LeVert, the way he attacks the defense, and also the way he shoots the ball really remind me of Caris.

The addition of Sarr gives Duke 9 rotational players, it wouldn’t shock me if they added another forward to the mix as they have been heavily recruiting Sebastian Wilkins and Braydon Hawthorne this cycle.