As time passes, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Cedric Coward is likely to remain in the 2025 NBA Draft, rather than returning to college hoops. Though the Washington State transfer committed to Duke over Alabama, his main focus has always been the professional route. After standing out during NBA Combine drills and improving his draft stock, it’s now expected that Coward won’t suit up for Duke next season.
In response, head coach Jon Scheyer may have found a potential replacement in Dame Sarr, an international prospect from Italy who’s been playing for FC Barcelona in recent years.
Recruitment momentum around Sarr shifted recently when 247Sports analyst Travis Branham withdrew his prediction that Sarr would commit to Kansas. Around the same time, reports emerged that Duke had ramped up efforts to sign the Italian guard — a likely sign the staff expects Coward to stay in the draft.
Soon after that news broke, 247Sports insiders Chad Lykins and John Watson both forecasted Sarr to end up at Duke.
Earlier in April, Sarr was considering several programs including Duke, Kansas, Oregon, and Illinois. Interest from the Blue Devils cooled once Coward committed, but with Coward now likely NBA-bound, Scheyer has renewed his push for Sarr — and it appears to be working.
Landing Sarr would be a major move for Duke, especially with Coward no longer expected to fill a key role on the wing. But if Sarr does take that spot, it would contribute to one of the youngest Duke lineups in recent memory. The Blue Devils would likely start four underclassmen next season, with only Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown offering veteran presence.
While the talent on Duke’s roster will be undeniable, the team may lack the experience typically needed to contend at the highest level.
