It is 9 p.m. in France this Monday, October 21, 3 p.m. in Atlanta, Georgia. Zacharie Risacher appears on the other side of the screen in the Atlanta Hawks locker room. It was there in the city of the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, in the capital of a major soda brand that the former Bourg-en-Bresse player set down his bag. The Atlanta Hawks chose him last June in first place in the draft.
Being number 1 in the draft means being considered the greatest basketball prospect in the entire world. Especially in a league, the NBA, recognized in the most remote corners of the globe. This “prospect”, as the Americans say, is French, as he was a year earlier with Victor Wembanyama. Outside of the United States, no other country has had two top draft picks in quick succession. It’s historic beyond French basketball, it’s incredible for French sport and Stéphane’s son, the Olympic vice-champion with the Blues in 2000 in Sydney, is well aware of it.
It is against the Brooklyn Nets that the Frenchman will make his debut in a few hours. “I’m super excited and enthusiastic,” he said this Monday to some French media. I can’t wait to start the adventure. It’s a childhood dream come true. I am even more determined to make my contribution to my team. I want to be the person I am within the Hawks organization to help them win games because that’s still the goal.”
“I am first and foremost a team player”
He also confesses. “My strong point is doing several things on the field. I like to defend in several positions knowing that I also have a card to play in attack, particularly at 3 points and I am comfortable. I know I am needed in this sector. I am versatile so I can also do everything. »
Number 1 in the draft, this also means that Zaccharie Risacher will also have significant playing time. “I am very grateful to have fallen into this franchise,” he rejoices. They are patient with me to develop myself. The organization is not waiting for me to take over the franchise but it has ambitions for me. I can work peacefully and flourish in the future.”
A year after Wemby, with whom he does not wish to be compared and apart from the status, this has no reason to be, will also try to seek individual rewards. Number 1 in the draft also means starting the season ideally to collect the rookie of the year trophy. “It would be great to go and get an individual trophy,” admits the former Bourg player. But I am first and foremost a Team Player, a team player. I want to impact the team’s play to have the best possible season collectively. My personal goals are more there than elsewhere. And this requires daily work and self-sacrifice. If I do all of this, I know that if I do the right things, the good news will come along with it. »
