The 2023-24 French League Best Young Player Award Winner Becomes Atlanta’s First No. 1 Overall Pick since the 1975 NBA Draft
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks selected forward Zaccharie Risacher (zack-uh-REE ree-zah-shay) with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He becomes Atlanta’s first No. 1 overall pick since the 1975 NBA Draft.
“We’re thrilled about taking Zaccharie. He has the ability to play on both sides of the ball, he’s a versatile defender, a really good shooter and a high-IQ type player,” said Hawks General Manager Landry Fields. “The amount of development he has had up until this point is fantastic and he’s only 19. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him and his family to Atlanta.”
Risacher most recently suited up for JL Bourg (France) appearing in 32 French League Pro A regular season games (23 starts), averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 21.9 minutes of play (.439 FG%, .352 3FG%, .740 FT%). He was named the 2023-24 French League Best Young Player, as well as the French LNB Pro A Best Young Player of the Month twice, earning the award in October and November.
The 2023-24 EuroCup Rising Star Award recipient saw action in 23 EuroCup games, averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 23.5 minutes (.503 FG%, .450 3FG%, .688 FT%).
Risacher has seen action in 50 career French League Pro A regular season contests, owning averages of 7.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 18.3 minutes (.425 FG%, .338 3FG%, .729 FT%). Prior to suiting up for JL Bourg, he played two seasons with French club ASVEL (2021-23), where he played alongside 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama during the 2021-22 season.
The 6-9 forward made his Senior National Team debut with France at the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers in February 2024. He also represented France at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, winning the silver medal and won the bronze medal at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup.
Risacher, who was born in Spain, grew up in Lyon, France. His father, Stephane, won the silver medal for basketball with France at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Risacher becomes Atlanta’s second first overall pick in the common draft era (since 1966) and the club’s highest selection in 19 years. He becomes the 15thinternational player to be selected first overall, joining Wembanyama in 2023. Both Risacher and Wembanyama did not play basketball at a U.S. college, marking the first time in the modern draft era such a player has been selected first overall in back-to-back drafts.
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