Atlanta Hawks select Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher as first overall pick in 2024 NBA draft

French teenager Zaccharie Risacher has been selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

The 19-year-old striker, born in Spain, was named best young player in the French championship during his previous season while playing for JL Bourg.

He is the second Frenchman to be selected first in the NBA draft in consecutive years, following the selection of Victor Wembanyama by the San Antonio Spurs in 2023.

This is the first time in history that a non-American college athlete has been selected with the first overall pick two years in a row.

Risacher’s compatriot Alex Sarr was selected by the Washington Wizards with the second pick, while the Houston Rockets selected American Reed Sheppard to complete the top three.