“Made in France” remains popular in the NBA, in the wake of the highly publicized arrival of the phenomenon Victor Wembanyama on the boards of the American league, in San Antonio. In seven months, at the 2024 Draft, the jewel of the Spurs could actually see a compatriot succeed him as number 1 of the Draft since Alexandre Sarr And Zacharie Risacher are currently projected on the podium of the latest Mock Draft from ESPN.
In a 2024 vintage which, a priori, promises to be much less dense than previous years, the interior and the French winger stand out for the same reasons, in lesser proportions obviously, as those which built the “hype » from “Wemby” during the months preceding his arrival in the NBA: a breathtaking physical profile, coupled with already highly developed technical qualities.
The United States has already seen Sarr at work
Projected in second position, in Detroit in this Mock Draft, Alexandre Sarr is playing this season in Australia, in the NBL with the Perth Wildcats, and he stood out against Team Ignite. In the NBL, his playing time is regular (19 minutes per game), which gives him the opportunity to express himself calmly every evening (9.1 points on 47% shooting, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks), without too much pressure. At only 18 years old, Olivier’s little brother, however, of course has faults: notably a regularity in field shots (30% on 3-pointers and 56% on free throws), and a propensity to escape contact in the painting, even though he measures 2m15. Nothing to worry about either, at this stage.
For his part, Zacharie Risacher is placed next, in third position, virtually, in Portland. Also aged 18, the winger who attended the Asvel training center joined JL Bourg in Betclic Elite this summer, where he averages 10 points and 3.6 rebounds in 21 minutes per game under the orders of Frédéric Fauthoux, and even 13.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 23.8 minutes per game in the European Cup. This season, the native of… Malaga (where his father played between 2002 and 2006) shines in particular with his defensive qualities, particularly his mobility, and with the quality of his outside shooting, even if his success percentage remains subject to improvement (33.3% in Betclic Elite).
More Americans, but less transcendent?
As for American players, obviously more numerous since they are playing this season in the NCAA, on the university circuit. But this year, unlike the 2021 or 2022 Draft in particular, it seems that quantity does not necessarily rhyme with quality for young talents from across the Atlantic.
Proof of this: at this stage, ESPN only places one American player above our two “Frenchies”: Isaiah Collierthe leader of U.S.C. and teammate of Bronny James, starting first in San Antonio. Archetype of the athletic leader, scorer but also manager, the Trojans nugget, reminiscent of Scoot Henderson, has objectively not stolen this status since he has had a great freshman season so far: 17.7 points (54% on shots and 42% behind the arc), 2.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. A very big problem with turnovers (4.9 per match) must be resolved, but overall Isaiah Collier proves that he is undoubtedly, to date, the best player of this vintage. Without having the greatest potential…
Three other names to keep in mind, on the side of the “prospects” factory of Kentucky under the orders of John Calipari: Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham And Reed Sheppard. Members of a crop of high-flying “freshmen”, the two guards are the most prominent of the Wildcats’ young season: 10.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for the first (projected to #11 in New Orleans), 15.4 points , 4.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game for the second (#20 in Cleveland), and 12.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game for the third (#25 in Indiana), certainly the very big surprise of the start of the season in Lexington .
Finally, on the side of the title holders at UConna player like Donovan Clingan is also one to watch because its rating is exploding. NCAA champion as a “freshman” coming off the bench, the pivot is the starter this season, and he is a hit: 15 points and 6 rebounds on average per game. And unlike certain other pivots on the university circuit, the Huskies player is not just a simple “old-fashioned” pivot, whose projection in the NBA is difficult. On the contrary, Donovan Clingan presents all the qualities necessary for a pivot to exist in the NBA today: qualities of protecting the circle, a massive presence on the rebound; particularly offensive; and an ability to be mobile on offense, as a “rim-runner” in transition or a half-court screen setter. ESPN projects him in Chicago, in 6th position.
