Illinois fans have had their eyes on Dame Sarr for a while now, but the situation around the talented international star is getting even more interesting. The 6-foot-7 Italian wing has seen his name climb NBA draft boards recently, making waves both among top college programs and professional scouts. Thankfully for the Fighting Illini, it looks like Sarr is still planning to head to college — at least for now.
A Fast Rise in NBA Circles
It wasn’t that long ago that On3 Sports’ Joe Tipton confidently predicted that Dame Sarr would end up wearing Illinois orange and blue. Back then, it seemed like a smart bet. The Illini were making strong moves on the recruiting trail, and Sarr’s name hadn’t yet exploded into NBA conversations.
Since that prediction, though, a lot has changed. Illinois’ roster has undergone a near-total transformation, and Sarr has taken major steps forward in his development — both in the eyes of college coaches and NBA scouts alike.
In early April, ESPN didn’t even list Dame Sarr in its two-round mock draft for 2025. But that quickly shifted after Sarr came to the United States and showcased his skills at the prestigious Nike Hoop Summit, playing for Team World. Against some of the top young American talent, Sarr impressed everyone with his athleticism, skill set, and ability to compete at a high level.
The performance opened a lot of eyes. In ESPN’s latest “Big Board,” their ranking of the top 100 NBA prospects, Sarr has skyrocketed to No. 31 overall — a massive jump for someone who was unlisted just a few weeks earlier.
What This Means for Illinois
With Sarr’s draft stock rising, there was understandable concern among Illini fans: Would he skip college altogether and go straight into the pro ranks? Fortunately, it looks like that won’t be happening — at least not yet.
Saturday night marked a critical deadline for players who aren’t automatically eligible for the NBA Draft (like Sarr) to declare their intentions. That window closed without any word from Dame Sarr about entering the draft, signaling that he’s still planning to play college basketball for the 2025–26 season.
That’s a huge win for Illinois — or at least for their chances. It doesn’t guarantee that Sarr will suit up in Champaign, but it removes one major obstacle from the path. Now, head coach Brad Underwood and his staff can focus on recruiting Sarr without worrying about NBA teams swooping in to snatch him away before he ever plays a college game.
The Battle Isn’t Over Yet
Just because Sarr is staying in college doesn’t mean Illinois can relax. His incredible showing at the Nike Hoop Summit, combined with his professional experience playing for FC Barcelona’s youth team, has made him a hot commodity. Other top-tier programs are lining up to make their pitch.
Underwood and the Illini will have to continue working hard to out-recruit major programs that are now paying closer attention. Illinois may have had an early edge in Sarr’s recruitment, but that advantage could fade fast as more schools throw their hat into the ring.
The good news? Illinois offers a strong opportunity for immediate playing time, an experienced coaching staff, and the chance to be the centerpiece of a team that’s looking to reload after significant roster turnover. For a player like Dame Sarr, who has already shown he can thrive against elite competition, Illinois can offer a perfect stepping stone to the NBA.
What Dame Sarr Brings to the Table
For those unfamiliar with Dame Sarr’s game, here’s why he’s drawing so much attention:
- Size and Versatility: At 6-foot-7 with a smooth handle and excellent court vision, Sarr has the frame and skill set NBA teams covet in a modern wing.
- Shooting Ability: His perimeter shooting was on full display at the Nike Hoop Summit, making him a threat from deep.
- Professional Experience: Playing for Barcelona’s pro system has given Sarr a level of polish and maturity that most high school players simply don’t have.
- Two-Way Potential: While his offense stands out, scouts also love Sarr’s potential on defense, thanks to his size, athleticism, and instincts.
In short, he’s the kind of recruit who can completely change the trajectory of a college program — even if he’s only on campus for one season.
A Potential Star for Illinois
If Illinois can land Dame Sarr, it would be a massive addition to a roster that’s hungry for elite talent. Given his rapid development and rising profile, Sarr could step right into a leading role in the Illini offense, helping the team remain competitive both in the Big Ten and nationally.
And while Sarr might not be in college long — the NBA will come calling sooner rather than later — even a single season could leave a lasting impact. Players like him are game-changers, the type of stars that boost a program’s reputation, attract future recruits, and energize a fan base.
For Illinois, securing Dame Sarr’s commitment would be a sign that the program can still land — and develop — top-tier international talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Final Thoughts
Dame Sarr’s rapid rise onto NBA Draft boards might have worried Illinois fans at first, but for now, the dream of seeing him in an Illini jersey is still alive. Brad Underwood and his staff have done the groundwork; now it’s about sealing the deal.
Illinois offers a perfect situation for Dame Sarr to continue growing his game while preparing for the NBA. With the opportunity to be a centerpiece, showcase his skills, and lead a revamped roster, Sarr could find a home in Champaign — even if it’s just for a year.
And for Illinois fans, that year could be something truly special.