By Zaccharie Risacher, the projected No. 1 pick, has submitted paperwork to the league office making him eligible for the 2024 NBA draft, he told ESPN on Monday.
“It’s always been my dream to get to the best league in the world,” Risacher told ESPN. “I’ve been putting the work in for this since I was a kid. JL Bourg has given me an incredible opportunity to showcase what I can do. It’s been the perfect place to start my young career. I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to play for this organization.”
Risacher, 19, is in the midst of a productive season in France, as his JL Bourg team is currently in third place in Pro A and reached the EuroCup Finals. He is averaging 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 23 minutes per game, shooting 39% for 3.
“I’m proud of being part of this journey with my teammates and what we accomplished in the EuroCup. We definitely want to do something special the rest of the season. It’s been a long season and long process with a lot of ups and downs.”
Since August, Risacher has played in over 60 games across several different competitions, more than any player in this draft class, with possibly two more months still in store as the French playoffs kick off in mid-May.
“I’m feeling good physically,” Risacher said. “I always make sure my body feels right for playing games at the highest level. There were some moments in the season where I felt a little more tired due to the number of games, which sometimes include two or three per week, with difficult travel. And that doesn’t include the additional development work I’m doing at the same time. That is complicated for a young body. But that’s never been an excuse. It’s just a long season.”
