For the first time ever, French players have been chosen as the top pick in back-to-back NBA Drafts, with Zaccharie Risacher being selected by Atlanta.
Historic Back-to-Back Picks
This year, Zaccharie Risacher followed Victor Wembanyama’s footsteps by becoming the number one pick. He is now part of a select group of international players who have achieved this honor, including Yao Ming and Andrea Bargnani.
After his selection, Risacher was overwhelmed with emotions. “It’s a blessing,” said the 19-year-old. “So exciting. There’s a lot of feelings and emotions right now. I don’t know what to say, but it’s definitely special. I’m so blessed.”
With the 1st pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select Zaccharie Risacher!
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks)
Family Legacy and Basketball Journey
Last season, Zaccharie played for JL Bourg in France’s LNB Elite league. He averaged 11.1 points and 4 rebounds in both French competitions and the EuroCup. His father is Stephane Risacher, who won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games.
Despite his young age, Zaccharie feels ready to make an impact on his new team. “I’m real excited about what’s going to happen,” he said on Wednesday. “I just want to do my best to help the team… I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”
Other Top Picks in The Draft
Another French player went second overall while Houston picked third due to a trade with Brooklyn from three years ago during the James Harden deal. They selected Reed Sheppard, known for making 52% of his three-point shots last season with Kentucky.
“It was unbelievable … a dream come true,” said Sheppard about joining Houston. “They have a really good thing going… The coach [Ime Udoka] is really good… We’ll be able to play fast.”
Fans are thrilled about these young talents joining their favorite teams!
French Players Shine in First Round
Alex Sarr made headlines by being picked before Reed Sheppard at No. 6 by Washington Wizards and another fellow Frenchman Tidjane Salaun who joined Charlotte Hornets.
Risacher expressed pride over this achievement: “That’s amazing… We are trying to represent our country… There are more players coming in.”
Sarr echoed similar sentiments about France’s talent pool: “It just shows the amount of talent that we have in France… Our national team is really going to be good.”
Completing this impressive lineup was Pacome Dadiet taken by New York Knicks at No. 25
