Zaccharie Risacher, the projected No. 1 pick, has submitted paperwork to the league office making him eligible for the 2024 NBA draft, he told ESPN on Monday.
“It’s always been my dream to get to the best league in the world,” Risacher told ESPN. “I’ve been putting the work in for this since I was a kid. JL Bourg has given me an incredible opportunity to showcase what I can do. It’s been the perfect place to start my young career. I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to play for this organization.”
Risacher, 19, is in the midst of a productive season in France, as his JL Bourg team is in third place in Pro A and reached the EuroCup Finals. He is averaging 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 23 minutes per game, shooting 39% for 3.
“I’m proud of being part of this journey with my teammates and what we accomplished in the EuroCup. We definitely want to do something special the rest of the season. It’s been a long season and long process with a lot of ups and downs.”
Since August, Risacher has played in over 60 games across several competitions, more than any other player in this draft class, with possibly two more months still in store as the French playoffs kick off in mid-May.
“I’m feeling good physically,” Risacher said. “I always make sure my body feels right for playing games at the highest level. There were some moments in the season where I felt a little more tired due to the number of games, which sometimes include two or three per week, with difficult travel. And that doesn’t include the additional development work I’m doing at the same time. That is complicated for a young body. But that’s never been an excuse. It’s just a long season.”
The son of former Olympian and EuroLeague player Stephane Risacher, Zaccharie was identified as possibly the top international prospect in his age group from an early stage. He represented France at the FIBA level at the under-16, U17 and U19 levels and made his senior national team debut this past February at the age of 18.
Risacher has taken his game to another level this season playing against some of the highest level competition in international basketball. At 6-foot-10, he shows deep range and dynamic shot-making prowess running off screens and pulling up off the dribble from beyond the arc. He is often tasked with defending the other team’s best player, alternating between point guards and power forwards in his team’s switching schemes. He plays a mistake-free, intelligent style with outstanding instincts on both ends of the floor, making him an easy player to fit into virtually any NBA team’s roster with his versatility, but still has significant potential to grow into with his developing frame and youthful demeanor.
“There are a lot of things I can bring an NBA team,” Risacher said. “First of all — my No. 1 strength is my shooting. Then my defensive ability after that. And lastly, my ability to do what’s asked of me, using my versatility — I can rebound, handle the ball if needed, finish above the rim, pass the ball. Whatever you ask me to do, I will do it and do it well.”
Risacher, who says he grew up idolizing Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, said he’s not as concerned about what pick he’s drafted with as much as finding the right fit for his NBA career.
“My goal at the beginning of the season was to get drafted as high as possible, like any competitor. But I won’t be angry or disappointed if I’m not No. 1 or No. 2. I want to be the best, but I also want to achieve my dreams. I know the NBA draft is not the end, it’s just the beginning. That’s why I pay less attention to being the highest pick. “
The NBA draft will be held in New York on June 26 and 27. The first round will be conducted at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, followed by the second round the next day at ESPN’s studio in lower Manhattan.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.