By As the NBA Draft lottery bestowed a surprising favor upon the Atlanta Hawks, speculation intensifies over who will be their No. 1 pick. Among the contenders are French talents Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher, who have emerged as prime candidates following their impressive performances in international and league play.
Donovan Clingan, the standout center from UConn and a pivotal player in two consecutive national championships, also aims to sway the Hawks’ decision. After showcasing his skills in a recent workout with the team, Clingan expressed optimism about his chances.
“I feel like the workout went well, and we’ll see tomorrow,” Clingan remarked confidently on Tuesday, hinting at the anticipation building up to draft day.
Unlike the previous year, where Victor Wembanyama was a clear choice for the San Antonio Spurs and delivered a stellar Rookie of the Year performance, this year’s draft presents a broader spectrum of talent, particularly from France. Both Sarr, a 7-foot center who played in Australia’s NBL, and Risacher, a versatile forward who made waves in the French basketball scene, have captured attention.
The camaraderie between Sarr and Risacher extends beyond the court, having been teammates during France’s silver medal-winning campaign at the Under-19 World Cup in 2023. Despite their friendship, both players acknowledge their distinct playing styles and unique contributions to the game.
“We’re two different players,” Sarr emphasized. “We can’t really compare. We played in different positions and bring different skills to the game.”
If either Sarr or Risacher secures the top spot, it would mark a significant milestone as consecutive years without an American college player at the No. 1 pick. Meanwhile, American prospects like Clingan, UConn’s Stephon Castle, and Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham are poised to uphold the tradition of powerhouse college basketball programs on draft night.
Yet, the spotlight may well shine on France this draft night. Sarr, while coy about his workouts with Atlanta, possesses skills that could compel the Hawks to consider him seriously, especially given their rare opportunity with the first No. 1 pick since 1975—a chance unexpectedly granted by a mere 3% lottery win.
Alternatively, Risacher exudes confidence in the growing prowess of French basketball on the global stage. “A lot of good players are going to show up,” he noted optimistically, “and I can’t wait to see more good French players coming to the draft.”
As anticipation builds for the NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the Atlanta Hawks weigh their options carefully, knowing that their decision could shape the franchise’s future amidst a diverse pool of international and domestic talent.
AP
