For the primary time in historical past, French gamers have been chosen as the primary decide in back-to-back NBA Drafts, as Zaccharie Risachaer was chosen this time by Atlanta. The ahead was the primary of 4 compatriots taken within the first spherical, as he adopted within the footsteps of massive man Victor Wembanyama, who was additionally No. 1 and have become Rookie of the Yr with San Antonio.
Now the brand new Hawks star turned the fourth general worldwide prospect to be chosen because the league’s prime decide, becoming a member of the legendary Chinese language Yao Ming (Houston Rockets, 2002), Italian heart Andrea Bargnani (Toronto Raptors, 2006), and naturally, Wembanyama.
After the draft, Risacher was nonetheless in disbelief. “It’s a blessing, you understand,” the 19-year-old stated. “So thrilling. There’s loads of emotions and feelings proper now. I don’t know what to say, however it’s positively particular. I’m so blessed.”
With the first decide within the 2024 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks choose Zaccharie Risacher! pic.twitter.com/TH713LZYPF
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 27, 2024
Zaccharie performed final season for JL Bourg in France’s LNB Elite league, posting averages of 11.1 factors and 4 rebounds all through each the French competitors and the EuroCup. He additionally comes from a basketball household, as he’s the son of a well known athlete referred to as Stephane Risacher, who earned a silver medal along with his nation within the 2000 Olympic Video games.
Regardless of his age, the ahead is satisfied he can contribute vastly to his new crew. “I’m actual enthusiastic about what’s going to occur,” he stated this Wednesday. “I simply wish to do my finest to assist the crew. I simply really feel like I will help rather a lot. I’m able to do no matter it takes to have the ability to get on the courtroom with these nice gamers.”
Whereas one other Frenchmen went on No. 2, Houston took the third decide of the draft as a result of it had acquired it from Brooklyn in the course of the James Harden commerce three years in the past. This meant the Rockets took dwelling Reed Sheppard, who’s the sharpshooter that dropped in 52% of his pictures from the deep with the Wildcats final season.
“It was unbelievable … a dream come true,” stated the previous Kentucky star. “… They’ve a extremely good factor entering into Houston. The coach [Ime Udoka] is actually good. They’ve a bunch of actually younger, athletic guys, and we’ll be capable to play quick. It’s going to be enjoyable.”
4 French gamers have been chosen within the NBA Draft’s first spherical, together with No. 2 Alex Sarr who was taken by the Wizards
One other 19-year-old made the headlines final night time, who occurs to be one other fellow Frenchman. We’re speaking about Alex Sarr, who was picked first than guard Reed Sheppard and even one other compatriot Tidjane Salaun, who went to the Hornets at No. 6.
When requested about this phenomenon, the No. 1 decide of the NBA Draft revealed this made him proud. “That’s superb,” Risacher stated. “We try to symbolize our nation, and I’m so glad to be part of it. There’s extra gamers coming in. I’m actually pleased with being part of the success of my nation.”
Sarr, who will now symbolize Washington within the NBA, shared why this doesn’t come as a shock and may solely think about the French crew sooner or later. “It simply exhibits the quantity of expertise that we’ve got in France. I’m actually excited for Zacc. I feel our nationwide crew is actually going to be good,” stated the No. 2 decide.
Finishing the fourth and final French prospect who made it inside the primary spherical, guard Pacome Dadiet went off the board because the New York Knicks took him with the twenty fifth choice.
