Duke basketball’s international freshman Dame Sarr might have struggled in recent practice sessions, but those early growing pains don’t concern one prominent analyst. JJ Jackson from the “Locked On Blue Devils” podcast believes Sarr’s professional experience with FC Barcelona guarantees him a starting spot in Jon Scheyer’s 2025-26 lineup, regardless of how his college debut unfolds.
Why Is Dame Sarr Still Projected as a Duke Starter Despite Practice Struggles?
The latest episode of the “Locked On Blue Devils” podcast addressed CBS Sports’ recent projection ranking Duke as the ninth-best team nationally with its predicted starting lineup. Host JJ Jackson acknowledged that Dame Sarr appeared “a little underwhelming” during Duke’s open practice, which fans and media attended.
However, Jackson quickly defended the 6-foot-8 Italian wing’s projected starting role. He noted that many people were concerned after seeing limited highlights from the practice session, but emphasized why those worries are misplaced.
“Dame Sarr, a little underwhelming in that and yet I’m not concerned,” Jackson said during the podcast. “I think this is a guy who’s going to be a great player for Duke this season. I think he will continue to climb draft boards going into the next season.”
Jackson’s confidence stems from Sarr’s unique background in professional basketball. The analyst highlighted the significance of Sarr’s experience at FC Barcelona, one of Europe’s premier basketball organizations.
“Look, when you’re 17, 18 years old and getting the opportunities that he was at FC Barcelona, one of the top clubs in the entire world, yeah, you’re going to play once you transition over to the college game,” Jackson explained.
Sarr’s professional experience distinguishes him from typical college freshmen. At only 16 years old, in January 2023, he debuted in the Spanish ACB league, becoming FC Barcelona’s second youngest player to receive official minutes in club history.
Jackson noted that Sarr’s European pedigree should translate well to college basketball. He said Duke pivoted from Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, who stayed in the NBA Draft, to bring Sarr as a crucial late addition to their recruiting class.
The CBS Sports projection features Sarr alongside Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Cameron Boozer, and Patrick Ngongba II in Duke’s projected starting five. This lineup would give Duke another lengthy, versatile group that has become Jon Scheyer’s trademark approach.
Despite any early practice struggles, Jackson believes Sarr’s professional experience at one of the world’s top basketball clubs provides the foundation for immediate success at the college level. He noted that international players with professional experience often adapt quickly to American college basketball, bringing a maturity and understanding of the game typical freshmen lack.
Duke begins their 2025-26 season, where fans will get their first official look at whether Sarr’s European credentials translate to college success. The Blue Devils count on his professional background to overcome any early adjustment period.
