Zaccharie Risacher became the second Frenchman in as many years to be drafted first in the NBA Draft as the Atlanta Hawks selected the 6-foot-1 forward to start Wednesday’s proceedings in Brooklyn.
Risacher follows Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 rookie sensation who went first overall to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft.
And the 19-year-old Risacher wasn’t the only Frenchman in Wednesday’s draft. Seven-footer Alex Sarr is also considered one of the top talents this year.
Immediately after being named the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft class, Risacher said, “It’s a blessing, you know. So exciting. There is a love of love and emotions that I feel right now. It certainly feels so special. I am so blessed.
‘I’m so happy that my friends and family are here. This is amazing. I don’t know what to say. Special.’
Zaccharie Risacher walks the red carpet for the NBA basketball draft on Wednesday
The teenager, who is a forward, impressed in the LNB Pro A – the top men’s professional basketball league in France – this year with 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game in a postseason push for JL Bourg.
He is expected to be a three-and-D type player in the NBA, which led to his high selection in this year’s draft class.
Despite his height, Risacher operates like a wing. He has demonstrated his speed and coordination, while also demonstrating extreme flexibility for his build, which earned him a EuroCup Rising Star nomination this past season.
