Next Wemby? 🇫🇷 Zaccharie Risacher’s Full Highlights from the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023.

Why is Zaccharie Risacher projected as the #1 pick in the NBA draft?

Risacher had always been a gifted shooter off-the-catch who showed consistent, repeatable mechanics. Simply put, he shoots an easy ball. However, in this 2023-24 campaign the French wing has taken his shooting ability to the next level, as he has converted 44.6 percent of his 139 three-point attempts through the season.

Risacher really knows how to utilize his tools to create defensive events on all levels of the floor, his combination of quickness, coordination and fluidity for his size allows him to contest jumpshots and cover drives against wings and some guards on the perimeter. He’s also able to make an impact around the basket, utilizing his size and length to contest shots and collect defensive rebounds.

The physical tools to thrive as a defender are there, and the mental aspects are not far behind. His levels of awareness, anticipation and motor when he’s playing as an off-ball defender are outstanding for his age, being able to break up plays all over the floor, whether that is acting as a help defender at the rim or playing the passing lanes in the perimeter.

Being impactful as a versatile defender and floor-spacer make Risacher an enticing prospect from a fit standpoint, as his skillset is one that is coveted by nearly every team in the world.

Giovanni Marriette, editor in chief for the website TrashTalk, is based in Bourg-en-Bresse and is witnessing the phenomenon from up close.

“Risacher is currently achieving what Victor Wembanyama had also achieved: progressing and seeing his stock skyrocket while shining a light on his club and league,” he said.

The future is bright for Risacher not just on the other side of the Atlantic, but also when it comes to what’s next for him and Les Bleus. With a long list of tall, long wings coming out of France, their national team prepares to become one of the best defensive national teams of all time and once again, like in nearly every step of his young career, it’s a context in which Risacher fits perfectly.

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