Hawks take residence French sensation Zaccharie Risacher at No. 1 in NBA Draft

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 huge man Victor Wembanyama, who was additionally No. 1 and have become Rookie of the Yr with San Antonio.

Now the brand new Hawks star grew to become the fourth total 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 middle Andrea Bargnani (Toronto Raptors, 2006), and naturally, Wembanyama.

After the draft, Risacher was nonetheless in disbelief. “It’s a blessing, you realize,” the 19-year-old mentioned. “So thrilling. There’s plenty of emotions and feelings proper now. I don’t know what to say, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly 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 widely known athlete known as Stephane Risacher, who earned a silver medal together with his nation within the 2000 Olympic Video games.

Regardless of his age, the ahead is satisfied he can contribute vastly to his new group. “I’m actual enthusiastic about what’s going to occur,” he mentioned this Wednesday. “I simply need to do my greatest to assist the group. I simply really feel like I may help loads. I’m able to do no matter it takes to have the ability to get on the court docket 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 through the James Harden commerce three years in the past. This meant the Rockets took residence 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,” mentioned the previous Kentucky star. “… They’ve a extremely good factor getting in Houston. The coach [Ime Udoka] is basically 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 mentioned. “We are attempting to symbolize our nation, and I’m so glad to be part of it. There’s extra gamers coming in. I’m actually happy 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 group sooner or later. “It simply reveals the quantity of expertise that now we have in France. I’m actually excited for Zacc. I believe our nationwide group is basically going to be good,” mentioned 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.