By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist
Arriving in the United States shortly before the last NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher has since tried to find his feet there and acclimatize as best as possible. After six months there, he has just drawn up a rather encouraging comparison with France.
Last June, as he stepped off the plane and onto American soil, he had only a simple prospect tag. NBA. From now on, it is with a much more flashy and heavy status than Zaccharie Risacher travels to the United States. First choice of the 2024 Draft, he is therefore the subject of particular attention in each of his appearances on the courts of the league.
Expected to turn the corner, the young French winger has had a satisfactory season so far. Somewhat behind in the race for Rookie of the Year, he nevertheless sends positive signals in the Hawks jersey. His coach, Quin Snyder, for example, never stops praise his mental and defensive qualities. His teammates prefer to focus on another positive aspect that they have noticed since his arrival.
Zaccharie Risacher faithful to his French habits in the US
If his cards in the NBA remain rare for the moment, Risacher is giving himself the means to establish himself permanently in the league. Particularly in training, where he is one of the most studious elements according to the words of some of its partners. Questioned in recent hours by Jameelah Johnson about this impeccable work ethic, the French international recalled that it was nothing new:
Zaccharie Risacher : It’s part of my routine and it’s part of the process for me to perform well in this league. It’s my identity. To succeed here, you have to be willing to make sacrifices and make sure you spend a lot of time in the gym refining your game and your physique. But in reality, I’ve always had this mentality since I turned professional abroad.
It became a habit because I was young, I wanted to get minutes on the floor and it’s the only method I know to be efficient and good. I wanted to do everything to gain playing time, but also to fulfill my dream because in my eyes, it was a good way to join the NBA. And today, compared to France and what I did there, nothing has changed in my opinion.
I want to establish myself in this league and the process remains the same. We must continue to build stone by stone, keep the same mentality and I am sure that everything will eventually happen.
A most promising speech which logically brought joy to Atlanta fans, more convinced than ever that the future of their French nugget looks bright.
Despite an environment very different from those in which he was able to evolve in France, Zaccharie Risacher maintains a champion’s mentality and work ethic in Atlanta. All that remains is to hope that he will quickly reap the rewards on the ground.
