The 2023/24 National Basketball Association (NBA) season is days away, but enthusiasts have already begun looking forward to the 2024 draft. French Sensation Alexandre Sarr is at the center of these conversations after displaying a dominant performance at the G League Ignite.
The number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft pick was a Frenchman, Victor Wembanyama, who also played in the league. What’s the fuss about Alexandre Sarr?
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Alexandre Sarr’s Upbringing
The Frenchman comes from a family of basketballers. His brother Olivier Sarr plays in the NBA for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His father was a basketballer in Senegal and coached him when he started playing at the age of three.
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Professional Journey
In 2019, Alexandre Sarr joined the Spanish side Real Madrid, where he played for two seasons. From there, he moved to the United States and joined the Overtime Elite in Atlanta. He made $100,000 per year during his two years there. He played for the Team Overtime and YNG Dreamerz.
With the YNG Dreamerz, he averaged 8.5 shots per game, 11.1 points and 6.4 rebounds. After 2022, the Frenchman moved to the National Basketball League (NBL) and joined Perth Wildcats. Sarr is one of the most exciting players in the NBL.
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High Praise
Reflecting on Alexandre Sarr’s time in the Overtime Elite, General Manager and head of basketball at the league, Damien Wilkins, said they knew he was a special talent.
“From the time he joined, we knew he was special. The coaching and training helped him to become a dynamic player. If this is anything to go by, Alex will be a top pick in the drafts.” Damien told Andscape.com.
It’s for this reason that the 7-foot-5 teenage sensation is projected to be the number one NBA draft pick in 2024. NBA scouts who talked to Andscape explained that his all-around qualities set him apart.
“Sarr has demonstrated that he’s a modern-day basketballer. His movement on the court, shooting, the ability to switch defensively and blocking shots, are qualities that teams admire.”
The player believes that his attributes make him a unique player because he’s able to guard all five positions.
“I’m always aware of what’s going on. Sometimes, I overhelp. I hope that in the next few years, I’ll be able to guard five positions.” Sarr told The Ringer.com.
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Moving to Australia
As much as Alexandre Sarr was making waves in the Overtime Elite League, he was conscious of overstaying and competing against high school-level talent. In the NBL, he’ll be competing against seasoned professionals. Plus, he’ll be able to condition his body to professional standards.
“I want to grow as a player. I thought of Australia before and I feel I made the right decision. I’m in a good team and have good responsibilities,” he told Andscape.
As for the hype about his 2024 NBA Draft prospects, Sarr says he’s used to having scouts around him but doesn’t think about the draft. Additionally, he only focuses on the game and puts no pressure on himself.”
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International Basketball
Alexandre Sarr made his debut for the French junior national team. They won:
- FIBA U16 European Challengers.
- Bronze medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup 2022.
- A silver medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup 2023.
After Victor Wembanyama signed for the San Antonio Spurs as the number one draft pick, Sarr says he hopes it’ll help the French national team to be dominant.
Will Alexandre Sarr be the next big prospect in the NBA? Depending on his performances in Australia, he could keep NBA scouts busy and think of him as a deserving number-one draft pick.
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