Oui, oui!
In a remarkable display of talent and international allure, the Atlanta Hawks selected Zaccharie Risacher from France as the No. 1 pick in Wednesday night’s draft.
This momentous occasion was closely followed by another striking move when the Washington team swiftly chose Alex Sarr, also hailing from France, with the No. 2 pick.
The trend continued as the Hornets secured Tidjane Salaun as the No. 6 pick, further underscoring the strong French presence in this year’s draft selections. To cap off a night of notable picks, the Knicks made their choice at the 25th overall, selecting Pacome Dadiet—once again from France.
This series of selections highlighted an unprecedented focus on French players, marking a significant moment not just for the individual players but for French basketball as a whole.
The concentration of talent from France being drafted so highly illustrates the growing influence and recognition of European players in the global basketball arena.
Victor Wembanyama, a prominent figure in basketball, took to social media to celebrate this milestone for French basketball. His post encapsulated the spirit of the evening with a simple yet powerful phrase: “It’s France, brother!”
This statement not only conveyed his pride and joy but also signaled the arrival of French talent on the world stage, suggesting a promising future for these players and the sport in France.
His words resonated with both a sense of national pride and a recognition of the global brotherhood that basketball fosters, uniting diverse talents under the shared love of the game.