The NBA Draft is just around the corner and the excitement is palpable. With Alexandre Sarr leading the line as the No. 1 pick, another 19-year-old Frenchman seems to have taken over recently. The name Zaccharie Risacher might have meant nothing to many people, maybe, till yesterday (figuratively). However, it’s about to change. But it looks like that isn’t the only thing going to change.

A 6’8 forward, Risacher, caught fire only recently. His shooting from the three-point line and his offensive skillset have been factors that have made him quite popular with scouts and executives. However, another aspect these gentlemen have pointed out is one his fellow European brethren like Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic have faced, as well. That of defense.

Yet, it seems like Zaccharie could be the ‘one’ to change that narrative, too. Joining ESPN’s Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, popular draft analyst, Jonathan Givony has come forward with claims supportive of the 2022 LNB Élite champion. But not before he stated the common trait. “Usually 18 year olds in Europe, they’re really bad defenders. So for Risacher to already be that far ahead of the game on that end of the floor? That really bodes well for him,” Givony said in an appreciative tone.

“That tells you a lot about his competitiveness. But it really tells you a lot about his feel for the game, because he’s always in the right spots on both ends of the floor. The game comes really easy for him,” he finished. We are not going to get into technicals for now. However, the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com did mention how genetics also favor the youngster.

His father, Stéphane Risacher, played professionally in France, winning a silver medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics. His sister, Aïnhoa Risacher, was the MVP of the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship in 2023 after leading France to gold. The young Risacher is exactly where he needs to be. He thinks so too.

Zacchari Risacher is confident in his defensive abilities despite the NBA veteran’s harsh take

In a recent interview with ESPN, young Risacher declared that it was always his dream to get to the NBA. He described it as “as the best league in the world.” Explaining further, Zaccharie was confident in what he could bring to the table. “First of all—my No. 1 strength is my shooting. Then my defensive ability after that.”

The aforementioned NBA executives were also pretty neutral in their takes on Risacher’s defensive skills. One called him a “solid defender.” Another put his defense as “not bad.” Despite what Gilbert Arenas might claim about the Europeans being the reason for the NBA’s lack of defense, there are little to no facts that support his theory.

But Doncic does seem to know what differentiates the defense in European and American hoopers. During the 2022 EuroBasket, the Slovenian superstar highlighted the main distinction. “I think you have better defenders in the NBA obviously. But here in Europe, the team defense is more impressive obviously.”

Well, there are a lot of mixed opinions on the whole thing. But one aspect everyone agrees on is that Zaccharie Risacher is a pretty neat defender. How much of that can translate once he takes the NBA floor is something we will have to wait and see. What do you think of the young French big? Let us know your take on Risacher in the comments.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe.

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