The quantity, but also the quality: this year, the Draft should particularly smile on the French players, all very well placed in the pre-Draft projections for several weeks. Behind the future number 1 Victor Wembanyama, there is also Bilal Coulibaly, whose rating has exploded so much lately that he is now expected to be in the Top 20 or even at the gates of the “lottery”, but also Rayan Rupert and Sidy Cissokoa little behind.
First European to join Team Ignite last year, where he of course teamed up with Scoot Henderson, the last named is for the moment the lowest ranked of the tricolors of this vintage, since he is currently approached in the tranche 30 to 40 from the Draft. The current period of the pre-Draft process is therefore crucial for him, since it is an opportunity to boost his rating a little more during the “workouts” a fortnight from D-Day.
Passing through Pacers training center this Thursday for a “workout”, his second of the month after a first in Portland last week, Sidy Cissoko thus took stock of his current state of mind, after a convincing season which placed him on the radars of the Draft in recent months (12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists).
” My versatility, which I can provide on both sides of the pitch. But more simply to play as I did this year. he said, questioned about his approach during these “workouts”.
A year full of experience in the G-League
The native of Val-de-Marne also highlights his experience in the United States in the antechamber of the Great League, beneficial in his view to better prepare his transition to the highest level.
” It was a great experience, not all young people in Europe have this opportunity. We have rubbed shoulders with players and staff all year round, some of whom have already had NBA experience. “, he adds. “DAt first, it made me a little nervous. Because we are the team to beat, everyone wants to play against us. Especially since the ‘scouts’ are present at all the matches, which we watch on ESPN every time. But overall it was a great year, it’s always beneficial to prepare for the NBA in an environment close to the NBA. »
From now on, after a “calm” first week, Sidy Cissoko will start the serious things: “ I still have six or seven ‘workouts’ planned “, he concludes, and the next one is planned with the Hornets.
Ten very diligent days to come, therefore, which confirm that he intrigues a certain number of clubs. A good omen for the (probable) future fourth French called by Adam Silver on June 22.
