After the defeat of the Hawks against the Spurs of a great Victor Wembanyama (42 points), Zacharie Risacher was not the most talkative in the visitors' locker room. For the first time, the last two French number 1s in the Draft faced each other. Quickly penalized by mistakes, the rookie was much more discreet than his compatriot and former teammate at ASVEL (9 points to 4/13 on shots in 22 minutes).
Victor Wembanyama, for his part, said to himself ” proud “ by Zacharie Risacher. “His situation in Atlanta is quite healthy”he continues. “It’s fortunate because this is not the case for all Draft number 1s. I have complete confidence in him. He's had a more than decent season. »
Despite the bitterness of the defeat, the former Bourg-en-Bresse winger nevertheless took a few minutes in the Hawks locker room for the French media, including DNA of Sports.
Straight away, what is your feeling after this overtime defeat against the Spurs by a phenomenal Victor Wembanyama (42 points)?
Even though we fought well, this defeat hurts our morale. We tried to respond to the physical challenge of Spurs but Victor was really good. It's a defeat that I still have in my throat but we have to bounce back quickly because we have a match in two days (against Memphis). We're going to watch the video to see what we can do best, always with the aim of looking towards the future.
Zaccharie Risacher: “When I arrived in San Antonio, I wasn’t thinking at all about this duel against Victor”
This No. 1 Draft duel for French basketball is historic: how did you experience this evening?
This confrontation between two French number 1 in Draft represents more for the general public than for me. In my mind, it goes by the wayside a bit. I'm obviously still happy to have the opportunity to play against Victor but I'm more focused on our collective goals. When I arrived in San Antonio, I didn't think at all about this duel against Victor. I just wanted to play the best game possible to help my team. Playing for the team is the state of mind I'm in. Anything off the field, I don't pay too much attention to it.
Have you interacted with him since your arrival in the NBA?
We didn't really have the opportunity to talk with Victor. The matches are so back-to-back that it's difficult to find time and we haven't talked. But I know that I can count on him if I have questions, that he will always be there to help me.
Before the match, your coach Quin Snyder spoke to us about the progress you have made since your Draft. What do you think you have progressed the most on?
I feel like I've progressed in every aspect of the game since joining the League. The NBA is very different from what I have experienced before. On a daily basis, I work on many aspects of my game. Dribbling, contact finishing, penetrations into the racket, extra passes, playing without the ball: as the matches go on, I learn a lot and that's what's most important.
Will the next European Championship (from August 27 to September 14, 2025 in Latvia, Cyprus, Finland and Poland) is a goal for you?
The French team is a childhood dream. It's always special. Every competitor wants to win medals for their country, and it would be a source of immense pride to be able to represent France at Euro 2025. I can't wait to be able to play for this team. Obviously, I will be very happy to be able to find my old coach (Freddy Fauthoux).
From our correspondent in San Antonio (United States).
| Zacharie Risacher | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2024-25 | ATL | 27 | 24 | 39.9 | 27.4 | 68.2 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 10.9 |
| Total | 27 | 24 | 39.9 | 27.4 | 68.2 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 10.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
