The Frenchmen have been making some big waves in the 2024 NBA draft. After Zaccharie Risacher broke the headlines through his powerful performances in JL Bourg’s playoff run this season, another man from the same country has become the topic of discussion now. That young man is Alexandre Sarr who carries a long history in professional basketball right in his pockets. About to share the same stage as his brother Olivier Sarr, let us learn more about this talented hooper.

The French blood’s journey to the NBA

Born in Bordeaux, France, and in a family of hoopers, Alexandre Sarr has always been around basketball. He started playing at the age of four. Sarr was already in Real Madrid’s Baloncesto club by the age of 14. In the Spanish Club, he was a part of the cadet youth club for two years. His father is a Massar a former pro basketball player from Senegal. His older brother Olivier Sarr is currently in a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder and its G league in the NBA.

Later, he moved to the US in 2021 to be a part of the newly found semi-pro league– the Overtime Elite in Atlanta, Georgia. In two years with the league, he earned the second-team All-OTE honor. Moreover, the opportunity also opened a path for him to earn at least $100,000 per year. After his time with Team Overtime and the YNG Dreamerz, he moved to Australia to play in the NBL. Alexandre Sarr announced on May 9, 2023, that he has signed with the Perth Wildcats.

Then, he told Yahoo Sports why he chose the Australian Pro Basketball League over going to a college. He had said, “The professional route just suits me better as a player and has helped me develop my game better. The spacing allows me more freedom and versatility, so that’s why I chose to play in the NBL and not college.” After being a part of the Next Stars program, he suffered a hip injury in December.

Returning to the floor next month, he added a career-high 18 points and 5 blocks. His average for the season was 9.4 points and 4.3 rebounds. He topped off his numbers with 0.9 assists and 1.5 blocks. Alexandre Sarr was on the floor for only 17 minutes per game in the 2023-34 season. On April 12, 2024, he announced his move to the NBA by declaring for the 2024 NBA draft.

How is Alexandre Sarr doing in the 2024 NBA drafts?

The 7-foot tall hooper is an ultimate NBA-worthy athlete according to many. Currently, he is in the running for the first spot, competing against another French great Zaccharie Risacher. According to that selection, he is probably going to go with the Atlanta Hawks. The team can surely use the advantage of this center who is brilliant in the wing. His height combined with his wingspan of 7-foot-4.5 allows this young athlete to be versatile on both sides of the court.

Talking about his choice to move to the NBA, he previously mentioned, “The NBA is evolving and becoming more positionless, so even at my size, I have to be able to guard every position and feel comfortable with the ball in my hands. I feel like I’ve always been able to play on the perimeter. It’s nothing new or uncomfortable for me to step outside of the paint and make plays.”

This year, a French baller will make the consecutive run to the first spot. Previously, Victor Wembanyama has done some impactful job for the San Antonio Spurs. It will be interesting to see how this early bird can use the opportunity to turn the tides for his new pro team.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.