North Carolina basketball fans are watching their dreams of landing the Italian sensation Dame Sarr slip through their fingers like sand. This talented shooting guard, making waves both on the court for FC Barcelona and in the recruiting world, has captured the hearts of many top programs. Yet, all signs point to the Tar Heels missing out.
Reports earlier this week had Kansas in the driver’s seat after Sarr’s official visit, but Duke has hit the gas on their recruitment efforts. The latest projections the Blue Devils leading the race to sign this coveted guard. For, this potential turn of events is like a dagger to the heart, adding another layer of intensity to an already fiery rivalry.
The buzz grew louder on Thursday when three new 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions swung in favor of Duke—a clear indication that the tide is turning towards Durham. While updates like these often bring hope, for UNC’s coach Hubert Davis and his squad, it’s a worrying bell toll.
Interestingly, the Tar Heels have been focusing their efforts elsewhere, prioritizing the wing position for the 2025-26 season after missing out on several key targets, including Andrej Stojakovic. Yet, the door isn’t closed just yet.
Florida State’s Jamir Watkins has caught the eye of the Tar Heels. A sharpshooter with his sights set on the Draft, Watkins is projected as a second-round pick, leaving the door ajar for a return to college hoops. Should he decide to play another season, expect UNC to roll out the red carpet, hoping to convince him to swap his Seminole garnet for a Tar Heel blue.
While the future is a swirling mist of uncertainty, the present moment is crystal clear: Dame Sarr seems destined for Durham rather than Chapel Hill, a shift that could not only alter the recruiting landscape but also deepen the rivalry between these basketball titans.
