At just 18 years old, Alex Sarr found himself thousands of miles from home, chasing a dream that once belonged to his father. Unlike most top NBA prospects, he didn’t take the college route. Instead, he played in professional leagues across three continents before landing in Washington as the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. But behind his journey stands a family whose sacrifices made it all possible.

“The professional route just suits me better as a player and has helped me develop my game better,” Sarr told Yahoo Sports. “The spacing allows me more freedom and versatility, so that’s why I chose to play in the NBL and not college.” Well, it worked out well for the Frenchman, who started his long journey from Bordeaux, France. Then Sarr moved to Spain to play for Real Madrid before making a switch to the United States. Throughout his journey, his parents’ support has never wavered. Alex Sarr wouldn’t be in the NBA if it wasn’t for his parent’s hard work and support. So, who are the people behind the French sensation?

Who is Alex Sarr’s father Massar? Was he a professional basketball player?

Basketball undeniably runs in the Sarr family. Alex Sarr’s father, Massar Sarr, who is originally from Senegal was a professional hooper himself. So, you know now where the 7-foot-1 forward gets his basketball genes from! However, Alex’s father had to face much more adversities than his son. That’s because Massar came to France in the hopes of obtaining a college degree and following his dream of becoming a professional hooper. Just like his son, Massar had an unmatched work ethic.

After retiring, Massar dedicated himself to training his sons, Alex and Olivier, nurturing their NBA aspirations. “Growing up, I used to see my brother and my Dad hoop… Just seeing the passion that my Dad had for basketball. He wasn’t playing in the first league in France, but he was watching film. He was damn near in the NBA.” Alex said in ‘Podcast P‘ hosted by Paul George. While Massar couldn’t play in the NBA, his sons have completed that dream for their father. Alex’s older brother was the first to break through in the league.

The former University of Kentucky hooper, joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, after going undrafted. Soon, Alex also followed in his brother’s footsteps. However, he did one up to his brother as he not only was a first-round pick but the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. The talented forward is carving out his own legacy, just like his brother. It’s safe to say that Massar Sarr would be proud of both of his sons, who are making huge waves in the basketball world. However, he isn’t the only proud parent.

Who is Alex Sarr’s mother Marie? What does she do?

While Alex’s father Massar Sarr helped him train and hone his skills, his mother Marie Sarr also played a vital role in his growth. Alex hugely credits his mother’s upbringing and acknowledges that she has helped him throughout his journey from France to Spain to Australia and the United States. Marie made sure his son or rather both of her sons knew it was okay to make mistakes, but you should learn from those mistakes.

One such mistake could have been Alex’s decision to move across the globe to Atlanta. While both Massar and Marie were reluctant at first, they decided this shouldn’t stop Alex from taking risks in his life. So, Alex made the risky move to Atlanta to play for the Overtime Elite. That decision ultimately proved to be a great move! So, the Sarr family’s appetite for risk paid off big time. Soon, the towering forward moved to Australia and ten everything else fell into the right place as we know it.

Alex bears immense love for his family and credits his success to their efforts. During the memorable 2024 NBA draft, the young Frenchman donned a double-breasted suit. The inside of the jacket had “Moma” embroidered inside of it as a nod to his parents and brother who were with him through every step of the way.

What is Alex Sarr’s parents’ nationality?

Well, we all know that Alex Sarr hails from Bordeaux, France. But, not many people know about his parents’ whereabouts and his ethnicity. So, where are his parents from? Both Massar and Marie are French citizens and are proud of their nationality. Both Massar and Marie Sarr are of Senegalese descent but hold French citizenship, a heritage that has played a significant role in shaping Alex’s identity and career.

That is seen through Alex’s love for his country as he hails from France and proudly represents France on the international stage. Yes! Alex Sarr made his debut for the French junior national team and helped them clinch the FIBA U16 European Challengers.

Sarr first made his mark for France, but his journey was just beginning. He then helped France earn a bronze medal at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup and also a silver the very next year at the FIBA U19 World Cup. Well, it’s truly evident that Alex Sarr and his parents are proud of their French background.

Only a handful of international players ever make it to the NBA, and even fewer carve out long-term success. In the last decade, just over 20% of top international prospects have secured a stable career in the league. Yet, Alex Sarr is already proving he belongs among the elite. With a unique skill set, an impressive basketball IQ, and an unwavering drive inherited from his family, Sarr is poised to be a cornerstone for the Wizards’ future. If history is any indication, the NBA will be seeing a lot more of him in the years to come