Like Victor Wembanyama before him, Alexandre Sarr took advantage of a little detour to Las Vegas to increase his odds for the next NBA Draft.
With his two performances of 17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 blocks, then 26 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks, 3 assists and 3 interceptions (!) against Team Ignite, the 18-year-old French interior perfectly launched his springboard year with the Australian team in Perth.
“The main difference is the context in which I play”he emphasizes for The Ringer. “I was mainly seen at youth level with the national team, where there is less freedom on the pitch, we execute systems and we work first and foremost through the collective. Here I have a bigger role and people see me differently, but I think I’ve always played that way. Now that I’m a pro with the Wildcats, I’m just seen more. »
Cadet of Olivier Sarr, the interior of the Thunder last year, Alexandre comes from a family of athletes. Where he was pushed to grow faster than the others.
Spotted very early (at 12 years old) then integrated into the Real Madrid training center (at 14 years old), he then moved in 2021 to the brand new Overtime Elite. Before signing for the Australian league in the spring…
“When I was twelve, I played in a tournament in Spain. And that’s when it got serious because Real Madrid tried to recruit me. That’s where Luka Doncic started, I said to myself that maybe I too would have the chance to become a good player. Thanks to my versatility and impact on both ends of the pitch. »
“Be able to defend on all five positions”
With his 2m13 under the height chart and his 98 kilos all wet, Olivier Sarr is still one of the longest players. But a prospect who makes NBA scouts drool with his tone and his movement skills for his size.
“My defense is improving as my game progresses. I know I have to be careful not to help too much and spread myself thin on defense. As I know that I am a good blocker, I sometimes tend to want to look at everything to try to counter the attacker, and I lose concentration on my player. I hope I can continue to progress to be able to defend in all five positions” he explains.
Still light for the NBA which he should join in a year, Alexandre Sarr obviously wants to take advantage of his Australian getaway to strengthen his muscles. Not necessarily to gain a lot of weight (he who has already developed well in Overtime Elite and his daily weight training sessions). Ultimately, he would like to reach 106 kilos.
Above all, he will want to continue his progress on outside shooting. Seen to his advantage in Las Vegas, he knows well that he will have to deploy a more solid sample with the Wildcats this season.
“It’s super important. Now you have to be able to stretch your defenses [avec le tir extérieur]. Because it makes things easier for the guards if the interior is not there to help in the paint. »
