After a very good first preseason match against the Pacers (18 points on 7/9 shooting including 3/4 from distance), Zacharie Risacher was less skillful against the Sixers, but he still finished as his team's top scorer with 14 points at 5/11 shooting, including 1/5 from distance, to which he added 8 rebounds.
Quin Snyder almost didn't comment on the performance of his rookie, always used off the bench, but he was called back as he was leaving the pulpitpraising the qualities of the Frenchman.
“One of the nice things to see about Zach is his work ethic” explains the coach. “He also has a quiet toughness about him, for a 19-year-old kid. A young man, I should say. But there is a determination about him. He doesn't succeed in everything he does, but he fights. And seeing him fight is fun to see. »
Without forcing…
“He lets the game come to him. There is a certain tendency (among young players) to want to impose themselves on the game, to a certain degree, and that is not necessarily bad. But he does the right things, makes the right choices. His work ethic fuels his toughness. Because when you're so invested, you're totally committed. »
A first draft choice without too much pressure
Above all, while the shots were not coming in at the start of the match against Philadelphia, Zaccharie Risacher multiplied the cuts, placing himself in the right place to always offer a passing solution. Particularly low position.
“This is the beginning of its development. He'll play for at least 15 years, if all goes well, and he'll continue to improve throughout.” explains Trae Young. “He can play. »
Especially since he is ultimately in a rare position for a first pick, since expectations are limited.
“Currently, he is in a good position for a first pick in the Draft. He doesn't have to come on the field to do everything, put everything in place. He doesn't have that pressure.” concludes the leader. “He can just come on the field and be himself. And he will flourish by doing that, by progressing in all areas. I can't wait to see how much he progresses, this year but also the following ones. He's going to get really good. »
