Scott Clark
Jun 27, 2024 - 04:00

Hawks select Zaccharie Risacher as No. 1 pick, marking second consecutive year French player goes first

French forward Zaccharie Risacher goes No. 1 to the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA draft, making history with back-to-back French top picks.

In a historic night for the NBA draft, Zaccharie Risacher was selected as the first pick by the Atlanta Hawks, marking the second consecutive year that a player from France has been chosen first overall. This comes after Victor Wembanyama held the top spot last year.

Risacher, a 19-year-old forward, may not have the same towering presence as Wembanyama, but the Hawks saw him as the best option in a draft class lacking in elite talent. He was the recipient of the best young player award in the French League last season, edging out his compatriot Alex Sarr for the top pick.

This marks a significant moment in NBA draft history, as it is the first time in consecutive years that the No. 1 pick has not been a player from an American college. Sarr was selected second by the Washington Wizards after playing in Australia's National Basketball League.

The draft was unpredictable, with the Hawks defying the odds with a 3% chance of securing the top pick. Risacher and Sarr were the top contenders, with mock drafts split between the two. Houston selected Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard as the third pick, ending a streak of one-and-done college players dominating the draft.

France continued its dominance in the draft with Risacher leading the way. Stephon Castle of the UConn Huskies was chosen fourth by the San Antonio Spurs, making it two straight college freshmen in the top picks. The Detroit Pistons selected Ron Holland of the G League Ignite fifth, followed by the Charlotte Hornets taking Tidjane Salaun from France.

Donovan Clingan, a standout from UConn, was eventually chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7. The draft showcased the global talent pool in the NBA, with players from various countries making their mark on the league.

Overall, the 2024 NBA draft was a testament to the growing diversity and talent in the basketball world, with France continuing to produce top prospects for the league.