He Barclays Center New Jersey was the epicenter of the 2024 edition of the NBA Draft. For the first time in history, the selection of new talents was divided into two days and this Wednesday the first round of those chosen was announced in which a young player from France stood out. As in 2023 with Victor Wembanyamaa Frenchman took the first position: Zaccharie Risacher was chosen by the Atlanta Hawks.
This 19-year-old young man, son of the historic French basketball player Stéphane Risacherended up in the first selection in a lottery that did not have a clear favorite as happened with his compatriot last season, but that still had good prospects that can be developed to have their impact in the most relevant basketball league in the world.
Born in Málaga during the period in which his father played for Unicaja, Risacher took his first steps in the Málaga Basketball Club. His family later moved to Lyon, where he continued his training by playing for the Tassin club. In 2020 he joined ASVEL Básquet and his debut as a professional was during the 2021-2022 campaign against the Metropolitans 92, a team in which Wembanyama played..
Since his debut, Risacher showed remarkable performance in the French league. In his first season at JL Bourg he averaged 10 points with 44 percent shooting from the field and more than 35 percent shooting from three-point range. In an interview with Skweek, Risacher spoke about his methodical training: “I like to arrive before anyone else and work on my game. Everything is prepared so that it is done in the most pleasant way.”
In the run-up to the Draft, the Frenchman who measures 2.08 meters was rising in the mock, the list that specialists generate to position the players according to the franchises that could select them. Chain ESPN He was quick to position Risacher among the best prospects before landing at No. 1 in the hands of Atlanta: “He is in the middle of the most productive season in EuroCup history for an 18-year-old. At the moment He is the second best scorer at his age in the history of the French league, behind only Victor Wembanyama”, analyzed the expert Jonathan Givony.
His last season at JL Bourg in France positioned him as a player to develop, but for many he has the necessary material to be a world-class player. Related to that, the NBA has been looking for this kind of young talent in recent years: someone who can shoot and who can contribute in other aspects of the game. Zaccharie will join a team that has the point guard as its leader Trade Young and that will seek to make the leap next season after being left out of the playoffs.
“Zaccharie can do more things than Stéphane. Unfortunately, we didn’t learn as much as they do now,” explained Frédéric Fauthoux, the last coach, and compared him to his father, who was part of the French team that stood on the podium at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
During his time in France, Zaccharie has shown flashes of potential, but his evolution will be key in determining his impact in the NBA. His height and ability to adapt to different roles give him advantages, although his physical strength and ball handling are two aspects that the young man must improve, according to analysts. However, it is this projection that has led the Hawks to bet on him. “He is a safe choice,” say the experts, who see in him a reliable role player with the potential to develop into a silent star.
Atlanta is confident that Risacher will provide strength and develop under the direction of its coaching staff. “If he continues to exceed expectations, he has every right to be in the conversation as one of the best prospects in this draft,” said Jonathan Givony, another of the journalists specialized in following those eligible in the NBA Draft.
What should be mentioned is that in addition to Zaccharie Sr. and the new figure Zaccharie, the family has a female player and she does it in a great way. The younger sister of the team selected in position 1, Ainoha, is 16 years old and has already been named MVP of the U18 European Championship on two occasions. Will she have a future in the WNBA? It will be a case to follow.
In addition to Risacher, the lottery number 2 is also French. Alex Sarrborn in the city of Bordeaux 19 years ago, was elected by the Washington Wizards. A player from Perth in the Australian league, he is considered a very good defender with great mobility and speed. On offense, he must improve twice as much, as well as his 3-point shooting (29%) and passing.
The top 3 was completed by Reed Sheppard, from the University of Kentucky.. The point guard was drafted by the Houston Rockets and is a pure shooter. Despite his 1.91m and short arm span, he is recognized as a player with good steal numbers.
The first 10 picks of the 2024 NBA Draft:
1. Atlanta Hawks – Zaccharie Risacher (JL Bourg-en-Bresse)
2. Washington Wizards – Alex Sarr (Perth)
3. Houston Rockets – Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Stephon Castle (Connecticut)
5. Detroit Pistons – Ron Holland II (G League Ignite)
6. Charlotte Hornets – Tidjane Salaun (Cholet Basket)
7. Portland Trail Blazers – Donovan Clingan (Connecticut)
8. Minnesota Timberwolves, via Spurs – Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)
9. Memphis Grizzlies – Zach Edey (Purdue)
10. Utah Jazz – Cody Williams (Colorado)
