Duke hoped to compensate for Cooper Flagg’s departure by securing Cedric Coward via the transfer portal. Their joy was short-lived, however, as the former Washington State standout also looks like a sure pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
But the Blue Devils were not short on options, and as soon as they learned that European prospect Dame Sarr had decided to play in the NCAA instead of the NBA, they were on to him.
Duke Is on the Hunt for Dame Sarr: Is He Up to The Task?
Sarr officially visited Duke’s facilities a couple of days ago, confirming Jon Scheyer’s team as the frontrunners for his services. According to renowned basketball insider Jeff Goodman, host of the Field of 68 podcast, that’s exactly what Duke needs.
“Cedric Coward, I think Duke feels like, is most likely, when the deadline comes on Wednesday, staying in the draft. So they had to scramble, try to find another guy at this point,” Goodman said in the latest episode of the show.
“They [Duke] are bringing back enough guys that are capable of making a jump, Isaiah Evans certainly being one of those guys. But Sarr gives him, you know, a big wing who can score, right?”
Goodman says that while Sarr may not completely fill Coward’s shoes, there are not many better options.
“I think he’s probably that versatile guy, not maybe to the level of Cedric Coward in terms of his impact right away at Duke, but they needed another guy and his upside is there for Sarr. And there just weren’t many options on the table. That’s the biggest thing, is like who else is there at this point? Not many guys.”
College Sports Network projects Cedric Coward to be the No. 31 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. This puts him in the orbit of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dame Sarr is an 18-year-old 6’5″ Italian forward who has been playing in Spain for Barcelona (ACB League) for the past three seasons.
Last season, he played in 27 games, including league and EuroLiga (continental tournament), in which he recorded 96 points (3.5 per game), 30 rebounds (1.1) and 17 assists (0.6).
KEEP READING: Why College Basketball Players Keep Transfer Options Open After Declaring for the NBA Draft
These are decent numbers considering he only averaged 8.5 minutes per game. Proof of his true potential is his shooting percentages: 59% from the field, 43% from the perimeter, and 55% on free throws.
Most importantly, this performance was achieved against adult players in European leagues. Without a doubt, the sky is the limit for Sarr, and they see it crystal clear at Duke.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
