For the second straight year,Desmond Preston the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft came from across the pond.
The Atlanta Hawks took French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the top overall pick in Wednesday's first round.
The 6-foot-8 forward is coming off a strong showing in the Betclic Elite League playoffs for JL Bourg, where he averaged a combined 15.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in two series vs. Nanterre and Monaco — which helped boost his draft stock along with establishing him as the presumed No. 1 overall pick according to several draft analysts.
Risacher becomes the fourth international player to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the modern draft era, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He is also the second straight French forward taken with the top overall pick after Victor Wembanyama was taken No. 1 overall last year by the San Antonio Spurs.
With that, here's what you need to know about Risacher, including a scouting report, international stats and more:
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From Jeff Zillgitt and Scooby Axson: "Has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism teams are seeking in today’s NBA. Quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create off the dribble and runs the court well."
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Risacher is coming off his first season with JL Bourg in the Betclic Elite League in France. He previously played two seasons for LDLC ASVEL in the Betclic Elite League.
Here's a breakout of Risacher's stats from this past season with JL Bourg in LNB Pro A play only, according to Basketball Reference:
Risacher is listed at 6-foot-8 inches and 204 pounds according to his RealGM page.
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