The high school class of 2025 is highlighted by three big stars in AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson, with all three being projected to join the NBA draft in 2026. Dybantsa and Peterson have been exchanging positions between No. 1 and No. 2 in the early 2026 mock drafts, with Boozer at No. 3. However, one international star who is heading to Duke is also making waves, as mock drafts predict he would go early in 2026.
Dame Sarr, who impressed during last April’s Nike Hoop Summit, is a 6’8” Italian forward who will be teaming up with Cameron Boozer at Duke this fall. During a new CBS mock draft, he was seen as a possible No. 6, to be drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. However, it was noted that he could even go way higher than that and even be picked ahead of the initial top three of Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer.
Sarr played for FC Barcelona’s basketball team for three seasons before committing to Duke, and he has been described as a defensive playmaker with an impressive wingspan. He has few downsides, though. His shooting needs to be more consistent, something he can work on during his time with the Blue Devils. If Sarr does that, he may even get picked No. 1 overall.
Here is how Sports Illustrated’s scouting report describes the Italian:
“Sarr’s game overall is pretty inconsistent, showing extreme highs but also some concerning lows. This is especially true on the offensive end given he has a jumper that looks smooth but isn’t always as reliable as it needs to be, while also needing to refine his processing skills. Although Sarr can be very effective in unstructured scenarios and in transition where he can show off his athleticism and leverage his size, it’s the more defined sets and halfcourt settings that he can struggle in at times.”
Dame Sarr Manages To Impress New Duke Teammate Maliq Brown
While Sarr does have a few downsides, the incoming Blue Devils freshman has now practiced with some of his new teammates, and returning senior forward Maliq Brown says he is quite impressed with Sarr. He admitted this during his appearance on the “Crazy Cast” podcast:
“His wingspan, he got some long arms. … The feel he has for the game to score, get a stop on defense or the ball-screen pass, I feel like that’s something that’s going to help our team for this year,” Brown said of Dame Sarr.
Sarr is part of the No. 1 recruiting class in the country at Duke, which includes Cameron Boozer, his twin brother Cayden Boozer, and five-star wing Nik Khamenia.
Related: ‘They Have Lost a Lot’ – CBB Analysts Question Duke’s Ability To Remain Elite After Mass Exodus
