Number 1 in the NBA Draft last spring, the new Atlanta player answered questions from French journalists from Atlanta, on the eve of the start of the season.
State of mind before the start of the season : “I’m very excited, enthusiastic, I can’t wait to start the adventure. It’s a childhood dream come true. I am even more excited and determined to contribute my part, my game and the person I am within the organization. I’m happy to be able to help win matches, that’s the goal. I hope I will stick to that and that we can move forward together.”
Ses points forts : “I am versatile, my goal will be to help do several things on the field, I like to defend in several positions. For the attack, I have a card to play on the three points, it’s the area where I am the most comfortable, I’m lucky that we need it, they let me do it. Those are the two things that stand out a lot. Afterwards, I’m versatile, it can be different things, rebounds, transition, finishing strong in the circle, alternating between cutting and off-ball play, screens… Whatever we need. I’m excited to contribute in many ways.”
14 French players in the NBA : “It’s great. It’s great to have so many French people representing the country in this very competitive league, it’s super rewarding, a lot of excitement around it. And for my part, I am happy and excited to know that we come from the same country and that we more or less went through the same journey and that we each managed to achieve our dreams. I am happy to be able to share this adventure with my compatriots”.
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I really see that there are ambitions around me and the team.
Zaccharie Risacher
Number 1 in the Draft : “I am very grateful to have fallen into this franchise, we share the same state of mind in the sense that from the beginning, even before the Draft, I focused on what matters most, the daily work and make the team win. This is what they expect from me more than anything else. I feel support, that they want to develop me, whether I am not immediately the head of the franchise or something else. I really see that there are ambitions around me and the team. I am very lucky to have fallen into this franchise where I can work and where I can develop in the future”.
The title of Rookie of the year : “It would be great, a trophy to get, it’s special. Afterwards, I am a team player, but beyond that, I focus on having the best season possible, flourishing in this league, helping to win matches and impacting the game. That’s it, my objectives, what I can control, the field, the game, it comes through work and self-sacrifice. By focusing on the right things, the right things will happen.”
His daily life in the United States : “I rented an apartment in downtown Atlanta, I wanted to be close to the city and not necessarily invest in a house that was a little out of the way, I wanted to be close to people and discover my environment. It was the right thing to do, at least for a first year. It’s a nice apartment, nice neighborhood. My parents are going to come once a month to accompany me, to make sure that I am well and that I am not lacking anything. I’m only 19, it’s important to still have this framework even if I’m super happy to have emancipated myself a little, to take matters into my own hands and to have gone to the United States alone. They will always be just a phone call away. Not to mention my sister is in Lyon, they can’t afford to stay here 100% of the time. She is younger, she is growing up and she is also discovering the professional world. It’s important not to show favoritism. We have to do what we’ve always done, which is to be there for each other.”
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I’m pretty simple at heart, a lover of the game.
Zaccharie Risacher
How not to lose your mind : “I give a lot of credit to my upbringing, the parents and loved ones who have been there to support me in my life, that plays a role. I’m quite simple at heart, a lover of the game. I focus on the field and I always look for a way to be better. It already takes up a lot of time and energy. This is what you have to do to keep your feet on the ground. Do what works and what has worked to progress.”
Anthony Brossard with him in Atlanta : “Reassuring? I don’t know if that’s the right term, but the fact that he supports me is a plus in my career, I’m happy with the work we’ve already done and are still doing. Even on a daily basis, having someone with whom you are sure to understand each other in life and basketball is an advantage and something that I had not necessarily anticipated. We live almost next door. I am lucky to be able to benefit from his advice even after training or during off-time, which was not necessarily the case in Bourg-en-Bresse.”
Driving license: “I already have it. In fact I passed my French license in France before going to the Draft. It was valid for three months in the USA. I bought my car and got my license two or three weeks ago. My license will arrive quickly. It’s a good thing to do. Others struggle a little more… It was important to do it before the season.”
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Victor Wembanyama is a unique player. I just admire what he does.
Zaccharie Risacher
Comparisons with Victor Wembanyama and a message from him : “I don’t worry too much about those things. Besides, there is no comparison that can be made with him, a unique player. I just admire what he does. We come from the same country, we did the same things with a year difference. It’s just amazing to have someone like him to be inspired by. But we didn’t necessarily exchange. I don’t know him very well but he was kind enough to congratulate me. Thanks to him.”
The best advice before your first match : “It doesn’t come to me…I’ve had a lot of different advice or opinions in my young career or my life, so I’m prepared for this event. I’m not expecting anything, I’ve been prepared for a long time and I’m satisfied that I’m mature enough to not expect anything from anyone and do my thing.”.
Comments collected during a video press conference
