He didn't have time to think. With about four minutes remaining in the first quarter, Zacharie Risacher had just entered the game against the Nets to a nice ovation from the State Farm Arena. “ Good luck Zacharie Risacher! », Wished the local commentator, while the cameras focused on the parents of number 1 of the Draft, present in the stands.
After a missed shot from Dennis Schroder, the Hawks went in transition and Trae Young found the Frenchman at 3-point. His first shot, just seconds after his arrival, was a miss. We've had worse debuts in the Great League.
“ It was truly a special moment. I am very happy to be here, I can feel the joy and good vibrations around me. I am very grateful to evolve within this organization, this city “, delivers the young basketball player after the meeting.
That first shot, after which we saw him smile while Trae Young came to celebrate with him? “ It was the perfect situation. I was open on a fast break pass, and yeah, it was amazing. It was the perfect way to score my first basket. »
Unfortunately for him, the rest will be less happy. His finish at the circle, on a sequence in the following transition, rolled on the circle, but did not go in. His catch-and-shoot 3-point shot at the start of the second quarter ended in an airball.
Quin Snyder validates his first
He missed another winning step-back shot, then bit on the line on yet another attempt… I wasn't as efficient as I usually am, which disappointed me a little. But it's part of the game », puts Zaccharie Risacher into perspective, author of 7 points (2/8 on shots including 1/4 from distance, 2/4 on throws) in 19 minutes.
“ I'm only 19, so it's a big adjustment for me. I will do better and better », Promises the hope, still authoring a fierce and important dunk in the fourth quarter. His coach, Quin Snyder, finds that he has done “ very good job “.
“ The emphasis is on the fact that you are not going to take shots every night. How can you influence the game in other ways? », questions the technician, who appreciated the confidence displayed by his player: “ You don't have to stop shooting, because he's a very good shooter. »
He will have the opportunity to demonstrate it in the weeks to come. In the meantime, the Frenchman is enjoying: “ It was incredible. It's a dream come true. I really loved it. I'm happy we won, we move on to the next match. I can't wait until two days to play again. It'll be nice. »
