BREAKING: Duke Lands International Star Dame Sarr — No. 17 Overall Recruit and FC Barcelona Pro Chooses Blue Devils Over Kansas in Major Recruiting Win
In a massive recruiting coup that sends shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, Duke University has officially landed the commitment of Dame Sarr, the No. 17 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class and a standout international prospect from FC Barcelona’s professional program.
The Italian-born guard, known for his elite scoring ability, positional size, and pro-ready polish, chose Jon Scheyer’s Duke Blue Devils over powerhouse programs like Kansas, UCLA, and Oregon, marking one of the most significant recruiting wins of the 2025 cycle—and possibly of the Jon Scheyer era.
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard made the announcement on Monday morning via social media and in an exclusive ESPN interview, stating:
“Duke felt like home the moment I visited. The vision Coach Scheyer has for me, the brotherhood, the tradition—it all just clicked. I’m ready to bring my international experience to Cameron Indoor and help bring a national title back to Durham.”
Who Is Dame Sarr?
If you haven’t heard the name Dame Sarr, get ready. You will. The Verona, Italy native may be playing thousands of miles away in Spain’s Liga ACB, but college scouts have had eyes on him for years. Sarr has been a standout at every level of competition, including starring roles for the Italian U18 national team and FC Barcelona’s B team, where he often went toe-to-toe with grown men in one of the top leagues outside the NBA.
He averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in his most recent season with Barcelona B, showing a refined shooting stroke, high-level basketball IQ, and a competitive fire that drew comparisons to European greats like Manu Ginóbili, Evan Fournier, and Luka Dončić—though Sarr models his game more closely after Devin Booker.
“He has the tools of a future NBA lottery pick,” said ESPN’s Paul Biancardi. “He’s smooth, cerebral, and dangerous at all three levels. He brings a level of poise and experience that few high school players—let alone international prospects—ever reach before college.”
The Recruiting Battle: Duke vs. Kansas
While Duke had been in Sarr’s top five for months, Kansas emerged late as a serious threat. Bill Self’s staff made multiple overseas trips to court the European star, touting their player development program and recent success with international guards like Gradey Dick and Svi Mykhailiuk.
In the end, however, Duke’s blend of tradition, visibility, and vision sealed the deal.
“Their system is built for a guy like Dame,” said one European scout close to Sarr’s family. “And let’s be honest—Cameron Indoor is a dream for any basketball player. He’s ready for the spotlight.”
Sources indicate that Sarr’s final decision came down to Duke and Kansas, with UCLA and Oregon rounding out the top four. He took visits to all four schools but was reportedly “blown away” by Duke’s presentation, the campus culture, and his connection with Coach Scheyer.
Why Sarr Fits Perfectly at Duke
Duke’s roster for the 2025–26 season is already brimming with potential, and Sarr brings a unique combination of versatility, leadership, and maturity that complements their existing pieces. He is expected to compete for a starting backcourt spot from Day One, especially with the potential departure of current guard Tyrese Proctor to the NBA.
Sarr’s game checks every box for what Scheyer is building:
- Size and Length: At 6’6″ with a near 6’10” wingspan, Sarr can defend both guard positions and switch onto wings when needed.
- Playmaking: Sarr excels at making the right reads out of pick-and-rolls and pushing the pace in transition.
- Shooting: His three-point shot is consistent off the catch and off the dribble—he shot over 38% from deep in European play this season.
- Defense: His on-ball defense is strong, and his anticipation skills lead to deflections and transition opportunities.
“He’s the type of guy who makes teammates better,” said an anonymous ACC assistant coach. “He can run your offense, guard your best perimeter scorer, and get you 20 on any given night.”
What This Means for Duke’s 2025 Class
With Dame Sarr’s commitment, Duke’s 2025 recruiting class now boasts two top-20 players, including No. 9-ranked forward Caleb Wilson. The addition of Sarr likely pushes the Blue Devils to the No. 1 overall class, depending on upcoming decisions from other elite recruits.
Here’s a look at Duke’s 2025 class as it stands:
- Dame Sarr (SG, No. 17 overall) – FC Barcelona
- Caleb Wilson (PF, No. 9 overall) – Atlanta, GA
- Isaiah Evans (SF, No. 23 overall) – Huntersville, NC
Scheyer has now landed at least two top-25 recruits in each of his first four recruiting classes—keeping Duke firmly in the national title conversation for years to come.
“This is what we do,” Scheyer said in a statement. “We recruit character, we recruit talent, and we recruit winners. Dame is all three.”
The Scheyer Era Finds Its Identity
When Jon Scheyer took over for Coach K in 2022, some skeptics wondered if he could maintain the high bar set by the most successful coach in NCAA history. The early returns are in—and Scheyer is not only sustaining Duke’s recruiting dominance but evolving it.
Landing a top-tier international prospect like Dame Sarr shows Duke is no longer just winning in the McDonald’s All-American circuit—they’re going global.
“We see this as a major shift,” said ESPN’s Jeff Borzello. “Scheyer is not afraid to go overseas and get guys who’ve already played pro basketball. It’s the future of college hoops.”
Indeed, Duke’s staff has put considerable energy into international scouting, hiring consultants and developing relationships with top clubs across Europe. Sarr is just the beginning of a growing pipeline.
How Sarr’s Pro Experience Sets Him Apart
Unlike most high school recruits, Dame Sarr has already spent three years in a professional basketball system, training against seasoned veterans, playing under strict tactical systems, and navigating pressure situations in real games.
That experience gives him a major advantage in adapting to the college game’s pace, physicality, and spacing.
“He’s already lived the pro lifestyle,” said an FC Barcelona assistant coach. “He knows how to practice, how to travel, how to prepare mentally. He’s going to walk into Duke like a 25-year-old in a freshman’s body.”
A Boost for the ACC—and a Challenge for Kansas
For the ACC, Sarr’s commitment is a huge win. In an era where the SEC and Big 12 have dominated recruiting headlines, Duke landing one of the top global stars proves the conference can still draw elite talent.
Conversely, the loss stings for Kansas, who had been seen as a co-favorite in Sarr’s recruitment. With several guard targets still uncommitted, the Jayhawks now pivot to options like VJ Edgecombe, Jasper Johnson, and Kon Kneuppel to fill the void.
What Comes Next?
For Dame Sarr, the next step is simple: win in college and prepare for the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s already being projected as a lottery pick.
For Duke, Sarr’s commitment strengthens their national title odds, enhances their international recruiting credibility, and sends a clear message to the rest of the country:
The Brotherhood is stronger than ever.
Sarr is expected to enroll at Duke in the summer of 2025 and will debut for the Blue Devils in the 2025–26 season.
“This is just the beginning,” Sarr told ESPN. “I want to be part of something special. And at Duke, I believe I can make history.”
What They’re Saying
Jay Bilas, ESPN Analyst:
“This kid is the real deal. Jon Scheyer just made a statement—again. Dame Sarr will be a star.”
Fran Fraschilla, International Scout:
“If Dame played high school ball in the U.S., he’d be a top-10 recruit. He’s ready. This is a monster pickup for Duke.”
Coach Jon Scheyer:
“We are building something special here. Dame has the heart, talent, and maturity to be great. We can’t wait to get to work.”
Duke’s recruitment of Dame Sarr is more than a win on the trail—it’s a statement of evolution. In the new era of college basketball, where traditional recruiting borders are crumbling, the Blue Devils are embracing a global approach to roster building.
Sarr isn’t just another five-star guard. He’s a polished, professional-ready, international star who’s already proven himself on one of the biggest stages outside the NBA. His addition cements Duke’s status as not only a recruiting powerhouse but as a future-forward program unafraid to adapt and thrive.
With Jon Scheyer pulling the strings and elite talent like Sarr coming through Durham, it’s safe to say: Duke is back—and maybe better than ever.
