There’s No Better Place to Prepare You for the NBA”

Dame Sarr Chooses Duke: “There’s No Better Place to Prepare You for the NBA”

One of the most electrifying international prospects in the 2025 class is officially headed to Durham. Dame Sarr, a talented 6’6” guard from Italy who recently played for FC Barcelona’s professional team, has announced his commitment to Duke University, setting the stage for one of the most intriguing college basketball careers in recent memory.

In a statement shared with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Sarr made his motivations clear:

“My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA. There’s no better place to prepare you for that than Duke. 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.”

Sarr’s maturity and professionalism shine through his decision. While many elite prospects either stay in the European professional ranks or commit to a college program, Sarr is doing both. He’s already cut his teeth in one of the top leagues in Europe and will now head to the ACC to test himself against the top talent in the NCAA.

A Transatlantic Talent

Sarr’s resume is already impressive. At Barcelona, he didn’t just ride the bench he competed against grown men, soaking in the rigorous, tactical world of European basketball. That experience alone would make him one of the most seasoned freshmen in college basketball next season.

Now at Duke, he’ll enter a different kind of gauntlet. The Blue Devils offer a high-stakes, nationally televised, fan-obsessed environment one that mirrors the bright lights of the NBA more closely than any other program in America.

“I needed both experiences,” Sarr emphasized. “Barcelona gave me one version of professionalism. Duke gives me another, playing against my peers with the pressure of performing every night.”

Why Duke?

The appeal of Duke to a player like Sarr is obvious. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has continued the tradition of being a launchpad for future NBA stars. From Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero to recent standouts like Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski, Duke consistently develops lottery picks who are NBA-ready from day one.

For Sarr, it’s about merging the best of both worlds European fundamentals and physicality with American athleticism and spotlight.

Eyes on the League

It’s no secret Sarr has one destination in mind: the NBA. With his size, feel for the game, and growing offensive skill set, many scouts already view him as a likely first-round pick in 2026.

But Sarr’s journey is more than just a pit stop. He’s embracing the challenge, the culture, and the expectation that comes with wearing Duke blue.

As Blue Devil fans look ahead to next season, Dame Sarr brings not just international flair, but a rare blend of professional experience and youthful hunger.

The road to the NBA runs through Durham. And Dame Sarr is ready for the ride.