Dame Sarr

Statistics: 17 PTS, 60% 2FG, 21.4% 3FG, 56.3% FT, 5.3 REB, 2.7 ASS, 1 ST, 3 TO in 35:42 MIN

After Sarr scored his first professional team points against Fuenlabrada in early May (8 points in 6 minutes), he took that confidence into the EuroLeague final tournament. They lost to rivals Real Madrid in the decisive third group game, but the Italian slasher was responsible for the previous wins against Athens and Belgrade in the first place. He initiated most of the Spanish offense and created many chances with his drives after the defense collapsed.

Compared to his performance in Zadar, on the one hand you can see similar difficulties in shooting from the 3-point line and also finishing with contact. On the other hand, he again used his quick first step coupled with above-average balance and light-footedness to finish variable. His shot selection was a bit better and not too many unnecessary shots were seen anymore. Progress could also be seen in playmaking. Although he made some unnecessary mistakes (6 TO against Belgrade), he was able to put his teammates in the spotlight more regularly (season high in assists against Belgrade).

Dame Sarr solidified his status as one of the best international prospects out of the 2006 generation and would have been a very serious candidate for the MVP with just a little better efficiency from long range (11/42 3FG). Nonetheless, his elite touch popped time and time again, as the Italian connected on multiple tightly contested jumpers with a high degree of difficulty. However, there were some instances where he settled a bit too much for his jump shot and instead would have been better advised to punish long closeouts by attacking the basket and utilize his gravity in a different way. Outside of his halfcourt prowess where he had a few interesting flashes as a pick and roll passer, Sarr was very impactful in transition, either as a rim runner or pushing the ball himself. He really stepped up the intensity on defense in the final against Zaragoza, neutralizing Lucas Langarita on the ball thanks to his strong screen navigation and repeatedly was in the right place at the right time in the passing lanes. Sarr finished the tournament with the following averages: 19,2pts, 5,3rebs, 2,3ass, 3stls, 53,6 2FG%, 26,2 3FG%, 76,2 FT%, 33.5mins

Dame Sarr (SG/SF | 198 cm | ’06) ~ Barcelona

High volume but also the best shooter in L’Hospitalet. He made 16 of his 41 three point attempts (39.0%) with the most important being made in the last seconds of the semifinal match vs Malaga to force the overtime. His release is repeatable and smooth, moves great without the ball and around screens and can get open looks. Had some pick & roll plays too and mostly went for a mid-range shot and was efficient in those attempts. Used his length smartly in defense and made a lot of deflections – averaged 1.6 steals per game. Has the tools to become a great shooting guard that can impact the game on both ends and players with that mix of tools and skills often hear their names get called on NBA draft nights.

Dame Sarr (SG | 196 cm | ‘06) ~ Italy

14.4 pts, 4.1 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.0 stl, 1.6 blck, 1.9 to, FG 35.2%, 3P 38.8%, FT 58.8%

Sarr showed some of his potential at this tournament. His body is quite weak at the moment but frame looks good and it should fill nicely over time and when he completes the development program, his body should be ready for all the challenges. Dame is not really a player that would play a lot in isolation but more an off-ball scorer that moves good without the ball. He can effortlessly pull up and hit shots from deep but needs to put more work on his slashing game and finishing at the rim because he missed some layups that he should have converted. Shot selection was bad on some shots but he follows the saying “shooters shoot” and doesn’t like to overthink about his shots. There were also sequences when he hadn’t touched the ball for minutes and he was just hungry to score some points. With his athleticism he can play good defense on the perimeter too so he has upside on that end of the floor too. His tools and skills are intriguing, even for the NBA, but there is still a long way to go and a lot of sculpting and molding will be needed in the next years.

(Written by Marko Turk)

13.2 pts, FG2-22.2%, FG3-43.8%, FT-53.8%, 3.0 reb, 0.8 ast, 1.2 st, 2.0 to, 0.0 blck

Orange1 Bassano had a young roster in Ljubljana where their ‘06 generation played a big role. Dame Sarr was one of those young players and he showed that he is a good shooter already and his shooting potential is really high. His shooting mechanics is smooth and repeatable and he was making shots in high percentages. Most of the shots were spot ups but he can make off the bounce shots as well. He wasn’t playing a lot with the ball or bringing the ball closer to the rim with drives and this is an area where he has room for growth. Due to his weaker body he struggled with finishing through contact but I believe that over years he will get better at this. One of the prospects to follow long term because I believe he can bring the shooting value to any team.

(Written by Marko Turk)