Top international hoops prospect Dame Sarr commits to Duke - ESPN

Top international basketball prospect Dame Sarr has committed to Duke, he told ESPN on Thursday.

«Duke was my dream school,» Sarr said. «I watched a lot of NCAA games this season, especially Duke. I played with Jabari Parker this season, who went to Duke. When I had the chance to go there, I had to take it.»

«My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA, „Sarr continued. “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. Opportunity, minutes, repetition — this route is the best next step for me at this time.»

The 6-foot-8 wing from Italy made his Spanish ACB league debut for Barcelona as a 16-year old in 2023, the second-youngest player in club history to do so. He became a rotation player for them in the Euroleague and ACB this season. He made his debut with the Italian senior national team last November, after previously starring for it at the FIBA U16 and U18 Eurobaskets.

«I'm very grateful for this season,» Sarr said. «I improved a lot as a player and person. My teammates and some of the coaching staff were great to me. It's because of them that I had this opportunity. They are a part of my growth and I appreciate them for that.»

Sarr had a breakout showing in front of NBA scouts last month at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon, posting 17 points and 4 rebounds in 25 minutes against a group of elite US high school players, including A.J. Dybantsa and future Duke teammates Cameron and Cayden Boozer.

His decision to attend the event, however, created a backlash,