The Illini are no longer in the running for Dame Sarr after reeling in transfer wing Andrej Stojakovic, according to On3’s Joe Tipton
No good deed goes unpunished.
While the Illinois basketball program’s acquisition of Cal transfer wing Andrej Stojakovic is certainly a positive move, it did come with its drawbacks.
On Friday, On3 recruiting expert Joe Tipton reported that the Illini are “no longer pursuing” top international prospect Dame Sarr. Whether this was a decision made by Illinois, a choice by Sarr, or a mutual understanding, it appears that one or both sides felt that the fit between the Illini and Sarr was not ideal following Stojakovic’s addition.
Sarr, an athletic 6-foot-7 wing from Italy, likely would have had to take on a bench role with the Illini if he had chosen to spend his freshman year in Champaign. Although he has aspirations of playing in the NBA, Sarr has opted to pursue college instead of entering this year’s upcoming draft.
According to Tipton, the leading contenders for Sarr’s commitment are now Kansas and Oregon—both of which offer him a realistic chance to secure a starting position by the start of next season.
The Illini now need to focus on enhancing their roster, particularly by adding a sharpshooting guard or wing for the bench, as well as some additional strength in the post and/or a top-notch perimeter defender.
In any case, Underwood and his staff still have work to do in building the team, but it seems that Sarr will not be part of that strategy.
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