Why Duke Holds Strong at No. 9 Despite Dame Sarr’s Commitment

Why Duke Holds Strong at No. 9 Despite Dame Sarr’s Commitment: A Bold Bet on Talent and Legacy

In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, few programs command the spotlight like Duke. With a storied legacy and perennial powerhouse expectations, every roster change is scrutinized  especially when it involves a top-tier international prospect like Dame Sarr. On Thursday, the Blue Devils landed a major commitment as Sarr, one of the top international recruits in the 2025 class, officially pledged to Duke. But despite this high-profile addition, Duke holds firm at No. 9 in CBS Sports’ latest Top 25 And 1 rankings. Here’s why.

Sarr’s Arrival: A Dream Fulfilled

For Dame Sarr, the decision to commit to Duke was personal.

“Duke was my dream school,” Sarr told ESPN. “I watched a lot of NCAA games this season, especially Duke. I played [for Barcelona] with Jabari Parker this season, who went to Duke. When I had the chance to go there, I had to take it.”

The 6-foot-6 guard brings an elite blend of athleticism, shot-making, and international experience. Playing for Barcelona, he’s developed against grown professionals  an edge that could translate immediately in the ACC. With Sarr likely slotting into the Blue Devils’ starting lineup as a one-and-done candidate, the future in Durham remains bright.

Why No Movement in the Rankings?

The twist in the rankings narrative comes from Duke’s concurrent personnel developments. While Sarr is coming in, the Blue Devils are now expected to lose Cedric Coward to the 2025 NBA Draft. Coward, who had transferred from Washington State, impressed scouts during the combine and is projected to stay in the draft pool.

This presents a near one-for-one swap: Coward out, Sarr in.

While Sarr’s ceiling is sky-high, most evaluators agree  at least for now  that replacing a seasoned, 22-year-old power wing with a 19-year-old newcomer is a slight downgrade in terms of immediate impact. That’s why Duke neither climbed nor dropped in Version 13 of the Top 25 And 1.

CBS analyst Gary Parrish made the stance clear: “I want to be respectful of that opinion. But I also don’t believe anybody I currently have below Duke belongs above Duke even after this development.”

Big Picture: Duke Is Still Dangerous

Duke fans shouldn’t fret. Even without Coward, the Blue Devils’ roster remains stacked with elite talent. Veteran returners, a strong recruiting class, and now Sarr’s game-breaking ability give Jon Scheyer a versatile group capable of deep tournament success.

The No. 9 ranking reflects both the respect the program commands and the cautious optimism surrounding its current construction. If Sarr lives up to the hype  and few doubt that he will  Duke could surge even higher as the season progresses.

Around the Top 25 And 1

Houston remains No. 1, bolstered by key returners Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, and Joseph Tugler, plus high-impact newcomers like Pop Isaacs and Chris Cenac Jr. Other programs rounding out the top five include St. John’s, BYU, Purdue, and UConn  each primed for a strong 2025-26 campaign.

Kentucky sits at No. 12, while Michigan, UCLA, and Arizona hover near the top 10, waiting for preseason chemistry to crystallize.

Bottom Line:
Dame Sarr may not have moved the needle in the rankings yet. But his arrival at Duke adds another electrifying piece to a program already built to contend. If he delivers on the promise that made Duke his dream destination, No. 9 might just be the floor, not the ceiling.

Stay tuned. The countdown to tip-off is only getting more exciting.