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As the NBA draft approaches, Alexandre Sarr hopes to fulfill his dream of being the No. 1 pick

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Alexandre Sarr dreamed of being the No. 1 pick while watching the 2023 NBA draft on TV in France. Such a dream seemed wishful at the time, because the next day, ESPN.com ranked the Frenchman as the nineteenth best available prospect in the NBA draft for the 12 months 2024.

A 12 months later, Sarr’s dream could come true, as he’s the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday in Brooklyn, New York.

“When I watched this movie last year, it felt like I had a long, long way to go,” Sarr, 19, told Andscape. “But I feel like I’ve always had the same mentality. I’ve always seen myself as the No. 1 guy. I’m not really surprised by what’s going on.”

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The Atlanta Hawks are the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The first round begins on Wednesday. Sarr and fellow French striker Zaccharie Risacher appear to be the most important candidates for first alternative. Sarr is aware of Atlanta, having played there for the Overtime Elite team from 2021-2023, after which played last season for the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s National Basketball League.

The 7-foot-1, 224-pounder, with a 7-4 wingspan and 9-2 standing reach, averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 27 games for Perth. Sarr was 18 years old and playing against adult men as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program. What caught the most attention was his two big performances in exhibition games against G League Ignite in September 2023.

Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony and former NBA guard Damien Wilkins consider Sarr has a likelihood to be special in the NBA.

“What Alex brings to the game, his skill set at that size, his ability to put the ball on the floor, his ability to protect the rim, his ability to step out, hit his jump shot, his ability to defend right, those are all things you have to (have).” – said Andscape Anthony, NBL Next Stars ambassador and Overtime Elite board member. “If you are that tall and that size, you will have to have all those qualities. You have to be tough…

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“He ticked all those boxes. And especially if you discuss the league getting younger and younger, there are potentially no limits for him.

“When Alex came to OTE three years ago, I told him, ‘You could be the No. 1 pick in the draft.’ But I’m not sure he fully believed it at the time. For two years, Alex bought into what we offered at OTE – unlimited resources, extremely competitive games, education on and off the court – and truly developed. Over the past year, I have watched him refine his game, strengthen his body, and completely transform himself into a player who will thrive at the next level. We are extremely proud to be a part of his journey,” said Andscape Wilkins, CEO of Overtime Elite.

Andscape caught up with Sarr during the NBA pre-draft camp in Chicago on May 12 for an exclusive interview. Below is a Q&A with Sarr, where he talks about why he must be the top pick, the influence of his brother, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Olivier Sarr, his family ties to Senegal, Victor Wembanyama, former NBA star Tony Parker and never only.

NBA draft prospect Alexandre Sarr practices agility during the 2024 NBA mix on May 13 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Kamil Krzaczyński/NBAE via Getty Images

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When did you are feeling like things began to change and other people began to consider you would be a top draft pick?

After two games of Ignite, I find that my resources have modified somewhat in terms of trial drafts and so forth. And then people began talking more about me possibly being in the conversation for the No. 1 pick. That carried over into the NBL season.

What do you’re thinking that NBA scouts noticed that sparked more interest?

They probably saw lots of versatility, and I play with a extremely high engine. I used to be really (making) a second effort, making dirty plays, diving for the ball, blocking shots, flying around the floor or simply doing all of those things.

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What was the key to making you so versatile at such a tall height?

When I used to be younger, I wasn’t put right into a box. Usually if you’re a young, tall guy, they put you in the middle position. But my dad and I all the time fought for it in order that I had the skills and that I had been a basketball player before, in order that I could only take one position. And I believe that is really necessary.

What basketball experience does your dad have?

My dad, well, he’s from Senegal, he got here to France when he was 18. He played (professionally) in France, I believe in the fourth league. So he played for fun. But he loves basketball. He watched many matches with us. He still does it. And he really loves it.

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Have you seen any of his tapes?

I have never actually seen any tape. So I actually cannot say. Maybe he’s just lying, but I believe he was, he was probably pretty good.

What was your basketball upbringing like in France?

I checked out my dad and brother. I never really had to select whether I wanted to play basketball or not. I just thought that is what we were doing. That’s why playing basketball made sense to me. We only watched just a few games (NBA) and increasingly more highlights as games can be played around 2am

Which French players motivated you?

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When I used to be really young, Tony Parker. Just his (championship) rings and his success in the NBA makes you dream of being successful too.

What influence has your brother had on you when it comes to basketball?

My brother had a giant influence on me. I watched his matches. Just being on the sidelines during his practices. And we still talk each day. He gives me advice after matches. I give him feedback after his matches. So we each like to turn one another on.

And he definitely influenced me to really concentrate on basketball, seeing how seriously he took every thing from a young age. I just grew up watching him do it. So it was obvious to me that I might do the same.

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(*1*)
From left to right: NBA draft prospect Alexandre Sarr, agent Bill Duffy and Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Pod Ziemi greet Dallas Mavericks forward Olivier Maxence-Prosper before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on June 14 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Were you inspired by the incontrovertible fact that he left France and went to college in America before making it to the NBA?

I used to be amazed. When he left home, I used to be 12 years old. He was 18 years old going to Wake Forest. And that was my favorite college band. At that point, I just watched every game, followed the rankings and so forth. I used to be only a fan and was impressed that he could play college basketball because we didn’t know the rest.

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My dream was to at some point play college basketball. That’s what I used to be pondering the other day.

How often did your brother advise you throughout this process last 12 months?

He advised me lots on every thing he knew. But now we each advise one another. I’ll say that now it’s constant feedback.

What were your trips to Senegal like?

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I’m going to Senegal almost every two years when I’m not busy playing for the national team or something. We went there yearly once we were growing up. It’s something that is really necessary to our family, knowing where we come from and just going back there, seeing my cousins, seeing my family there. My best memories are probably playing soccer with my cousins, just having fun and having fun with Senegal. My favorite dish from there may be probably yassa, which is rice with onion and chicken.

Are not only French but in addition African connections necessary to you?

Yes, it’s really necessary. I’m just giving back. We want to go to some (basketball) camps in Senegal, me and my brother. It’s necessary to us – to help young people in Senegal give you the chance to pursue their dreams, whether in sports or the rest.

Frenchman Victor Wembanyama was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. What would it not mean to be No. 1, to be part of history as two Frenchmen in a row at No. 1?

Of course, we knew he would take first place. I used to be just joyful for him. It shows how far French basketball has come and it’s a very special moment.

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Do you will have a relationship with Victor Wembanyama?

I played with him at summer camp about 4 years ago. We were each young. I remember he was really wiry, tall and thin. Those were good times.

Why must you be number 1?

I bring lots of versatility defensively and offensively, so I can feel lots of different patterns. I feel lots of different bands. (Being number 1) is my goal. I need to be the best in every thing I do. And that is what being number 1 is all about.”

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What did you concentrate on the Hawks having the No. 1 pick and also you living in Atlanta?

I lived there once I played for OTE. So I do know this city. It’s a pleasant city. I mostly stayed near the OTE arena, Atlantic Station. I just went to the cinema there. Just go to Target. So there wasn’t much occurring.

After my second 12 months at Real Madrid, I need a brand new challenge. I wanted to come to America and compare myself with other players who were the best in the world at our age. And I assumed it was very necessary for me to tackle latest challenges.

What was the experience like in Australia and the way will it prepare you for the NBA?

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It prepared me in such a way that I felt like I used to be already playing my first 12 months in my profession. I do know what it’s like to be in a wild environment during away games. It’s not something I used to be really used to. I would not say it’s an NBA-like environment, however it’s pretty similar.

I learned how to adapt quite quickly to latest places, latest people and a brand new way of life. It is vital. I’m blessed to give you the chance to travel the world and just play basketball and learn in every environment I’ve been in, it’s really necessary.

How many and the way many various languages ​​to speak?

I speak three languages. French, Spanish and English. My Spanish. Not bad. I didn’t use it for many of last season(s) because I used to be in Australia.

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How excited are you about the NBA draft?

I’m really excited… I’m improving at my game and stuff like that. And this draft day is basically special for me and my family. I experienced it just a few years ago with my brother. And for him to give you the chance to experience it again because of me, it really makes me joyful.

How do you are feeling about the uncertainty surrounding the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft?

When it comes to design, there may be all the time some unknown. You do not know what might occur. You can change at the last minute, but I just try to control what I can control. Of course, I actually have no influence on who chooses me. All I can do is figure hard to show my personality.

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Just keep doing what I’m doing and whatever happens, happens.

Marc J. Spears is Andscape’s senior NBA author. He used to give you the chance to dunk on you, but he hasn’t been able to do it for years and his knees still hurt.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Jalen Milroe can follow the Jalen path in NFL

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Star Black playmakers aren’t any longer an exception – they’re the rule. Throughout the entire football season, this series will discover the importance and influence of black QB from bottom -up to NFL.


Indianapolis-keep me, should you heard it earlier: playmaker Alabama born in Texas, who’s a stronger runner than a passerby, will probably be called outside the first round of the NFL Draft.

The playmaker was undefeated in Sec as a primary -year starter.

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The playmaker never played for the same offensive coordinator.

The name of the playmaker is even Jalen.

But it isn’t clear that Jalen hurts. This winter he was busy winning the Super Bowl MVP, and he didn’t play Iron Bowl or against Michigan.

Instead, it’s a former playmaker of Crimson Tide Jalen Milroewho last week Combine Combine tried to convey the case to the trainers and evaluators that he – like his namesake – is price being their playmaker franchise in the future despite questions on his ability.

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“I went through adversity. I saw everything as a quarterback, “Milroe said on Friday. “I played at the most difficult conference in the country. It would be easier to play at other conferences, but what I could see in Sec catapulted me that I was ready to play NFL. “

Alabama, Jalen Milroe, talks to the media during the NFL mix at the Lucas Oil stadium on February 28 at Indianapolis.

Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Departing from Katy in Texas, she originally got involved in Texas in 2019, but a 12 months later she fell to Alabama. After he was sitting behind the Crimson Tide Starter Bryung for 2 seasons, Milroe took his reins in the 2023 season. He helped Alabama survive Sec (8-0) this 12 months, won by the conference rival and two-time defender Georgia in the SEC championship, which caused Crimson Tide to the play-off collection.

But while Milroe had a big arm (his 10 yards for the test took third place in Sec in 2023), the pass was not his strong suit. For two seasons as a starter Milroe never achieved 3000 yards in one season, the first starter of Alabama, who did it because it … hurts.

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Hurts, from Houston, led Crimson Tide to the National National Championships in 2016–17, but during these two seasons were lower than 5,000 yards. While Hurts was a singular Rusher (1,809 yards and 21 sticks) at the moment, his weakness as a passerby is known for led to the spare Tua Tavailoa during the break of the national championships in 2017.

In the mix, Milroe decided that despite his pedestrian passes, he was still worthy of being a start at NFL.

He is aware of his weaknesses and swore that he worked in the ass to enhance outside being “one dimension.” He could move when his legendary trainer, Nick Saban, retired after the 2023 season, but decided to not fall off. He traveled six miles a day to ensure that that something was left in the fourth quarter in the fourth quarter. He studied progression and reads after I-SNAP to lift his IQ in football.

Unlike the forecast sorts of the first round, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, Milroe threw a mix on Saturday, hoping that he would show the bands that he has mechanics to do that to the playmaker NFL. It turned out to be a mixed bag. Milroe showed strong arm strength and a very good location of sail routes, curls and it while throwing exercises, but fought accuracy on intermediate and on the routes.

“That’s so many things that I can learn more where I am today and where I will be when it comes to day 1, starting with NFL,” said Milroe before Saturday exercises. “Always be a game student, at all times attempt to develop, because it would be so many opportunities in which I can look back and say that it was the moment after I grew up as a playmaker.

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“That’s right now, I’m just trying to grow as much as possible, put my best foot forward and just look for development.”

Jalen Milroe warms up during seniors training at the Hancock Whitney stadium on January 29 at Mobile, Alabama.

Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Milroe was asked that he was one other playmaker in Alabama to succeed in the mix, following in the footsteps of the role (who moved to Oklahoma in 2019), Tavailoa, Mac Jones and Bryce Young. Milroe said he appreciates being in the company of others, but he added that it’s difficult to check him with others.

“We had different bands, we had different players around us, we had a different system,” he said.

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But when he specifically asked what he could study the journey of Hurts-from the first manager of the game after the super Bowl-Milroe master said he inspired him his companion Alabam.

“The most important thing I learned from J. Hurts is how he kept his head (I) always continued to work,” said Milroe. “He at all times raised his game, he has never been self -deserved, and all the pieces you see is great progress from him.

“And I have to applaud him as a person, he as a man, because he is definitely inspiring for many playmakers of my image, as well as many playmakers throughout the country. He leads to all of us. “

The couple isn’t completely similar. Hurts had about 20 kilos on Milroe when he was in college. Milroe has a stronger arm, while Hurts played more and not using a mistake of football: Milroe threw 17 interceptions and ate 67 bags for 2 seasons as a starter in comparison with 10 captures Hurts and 43 bags.

But they can each be changing the game when their teams need them. In a highly publicized match against Georgia at the starting of the last season, Milroe finished almost 82% of his passes on 374 yards and two appointments, adding 117 yards to the ground for the next two results.

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Milroe can also match the wounds in the so -called “Jalen-ISMS. “

“Climbing upstairs is not easy, but when you reach the top of this mountain, you will learn so many things when it comes to adversity when it comes to difficulties, things along the way,” said Milroe in a mix.

Martenzie Johnson is an older author for Andcape. His favorite film moment is that Django said: “You all want to see something?”

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This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Like Tommie Smith and John Carlos from 1968. Black Power Salute inspired me to find my goal

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I’d say that I grew up within the household to be sure that that me and my siblings were aware of the black history. My parents invested in the gathering of black encyclopedias. On the duvet we had a version of the Bible with Black Jesus. Our house was stuffed with books of black novelists and thinkers, and if a black document appeared, we watched it. I watched all movies made on television about Dr. King, each “Roots” and “Alex Haley’s Queen” and I sat for all 14 hours “Eyes on the reward”-as a toddler. Bless my heart.

Having said this, there have been pockets of black history, and more likely that I had no opportunity to delve into once I was a toddler. The college was where all the will for information and understanding of the combined. I attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., One of a very powerful historically black universities within the country. It was there that I met people from around the globe whose knowledge about black history differed (often depending on the colleges and the communities by which we lived), but everyone had hunger to learn more.

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One day, through the first yr, I remember one among my friends in a T -shirt by which I had definitely seen before, but I never paid attention to. There was a black and white screen printing on the shirt (what I do know now) the enduring moment on the Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968, where on the rostrum for 200-meter medals, Tommie Smith, John Carlos (races 1. And 3. Place Finaners) Everyone gathered a black fist in gloves while he played “Star Spangled Banner”. Peter Norman, the second place from Australia, wore a human rights badge, like Smith and Carlos.

Not only did they raise the fist of black power (although they each said it was for human rights), they received medals in black socks to represent poverty within the black community, and Smith wore a black scarf for black pride. Carlos showed solidarity with blue-wheeled employees, unpacking the jacket and wore a necklace from the beads for individuals who were lynched. Due to the state of Black America in 1968 and a continuing struggle for equality and civil rights, there have been calls to a boycott of the Games. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was also killed in April this yr – and all three athletes were inspired enough to find a way to do it on the rostrum, which led to one of the crucial durable images of public protest.

I remember how I learned history and realized that on the most important scene these brave men used their moment of triumph and victory to quietly protest against the conditions of underrated communities in America. I felt strengthened; We often discuss standing on the arms of giants, however the more I got into the history of black in America, the more I spotted what number of giants there have been. In college I used to be very bad and for a while ready to burn every part that represented the establishment or any obstacle to black liberation. I felt like all those individuals who even saw their space on the planet in reference to individuals who could never give you the option to speak as heroes whose lives were to be modeled later. Especially since it was also fastidiously that putting people in front of him can often bring an enormous personal loss.

When Smith and Carlos took their position, they were booed on the stadium and ordered to be sent home by the International Olympic Committee. The athletes returned home, but they weren’t welcomed by the hero, but as a substitute of rough sleds, and even in some cases the specter of death. They were also not beloved by athletes. Two men, associated eternally in history, even have a good relationship –Carlos even claims that he let Smith go within the race Because “Tommie Smith would never put his fist in the sky if I won this race,” the claim that Smith denies.

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History ultimately has a way of rights, but it surely took a few years and realizations on the front of social policy, in order that the actions of those persons are perceived as brave and needed, not only selfish and smug.

The lessons that I learned from College and continuous reading and education I gained (my head remained within the book about black history) were one among the best advantages in HBCU. The very variety of books I learned about about which I actually have never heard of – I actually have upheld me all my life.

That is why I remember sooner or later I used to be walking around Washington, the eastern Washington market and a street seller was selling different photos of moments in black history, and he had a 40 -inch photo within the Tommie Smith and John Carlos frame. I paid for it in money and spent it across the capital of the country until I returned home. I do know that it happened in 2005 (I finished Morehouse College in 2001) because I just moved to my first apartment with no roommate and it was the very first thing that I actually have ever suspended on the wall. This picture within the frame still hangs on the wall in my home in 2025 and I used it to teach my children about sacrifice and privilege and how you may have to discuss individuals who cannot.

Teenage students of Stax Music Academy Mark 25th anniversary, black history month with a concert

The query that my youngest children often ask: “How do I know who can’t speak for herself?” Which is an incredible query. For this I answered an easy fact, pointing to the photo:

“These men have made a gesture that gave people whose most of us, including them, would never see or never know them, but on which life negatively affects the alternatives of the wealthy and the federal government. Sometimes you may have to take this chance to say something because you do not know in the event you’ll ever have such a big platform.

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Son, there may be at all times someone who cannot speak for himself, and you may have to use it in a voice, because perhaps the thing you say or a stand that can help someone you understand, live a greater life. ”

I take advantage of words that may understand a little bit higher, but I can inform you that my children have a look at this photo on a regular basis, and once one among my sons said: “These guys are heroes, right?”

I say yes, they’re. They are the heroes of the Black History.

They will live eternally for speaking, and even quietly, in solidarity with those that couldn’t.

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Panama Jackson Thegrio.com

(Tagstranslate) @Ap

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Main Treasury Official Morgan State University, Sterling Steward, died

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Morgan State University, Sterling Steward


Morgan State University announced that his older associate athletics director and tax director, Sterling Steward, died.

No reason for death was disclosed, but the college has confirmed his contribution since he was employed in December 2022.

Steward died on February 26. In Morgan State he was accountable for the event of university programs, supporting partnerships and strengthening the financial and operational success of the Faculty.

“Sterling was more than a colleague-he was a respected leader, mentor and friend,” said in a written statement by Den Freeman-Patton, vice chairman and director of inter-university athletes. “His passion for athletics and commitment to raising Morgan programs were visible in everything he did. He worked tirelessly to ensure that our sports students had resources and the possibilities of distinction, and its impact will be felt for many years. We expand our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, especially his three sons and sister when we mourn this huge loss. “

While the steward worked in Morgan, strategic growth and cooperation occurred. His work with the institutional development department helped to offer more opportunities and created lasting relationships to support sports programs.

Steward earlier he worked At the University of New Orleans (UNO) as an assistant to the college athletics director for strategic income generation. He also made stays on the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Savannah State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Alabama State University, Kentucky State University, Eastern Oregon University and Xavier University in various roles, including for a senior consultant athletics director and sports director.

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He was from New Orleans, who received the title of bachelor and master’s degree on the University of Southern Mississippi. He won a bachelor’s degree in the sphere of coaching and administration/history of sport and his master’s degree in the sphere of sport management.

(Tagstransate) Morgan State Universiry

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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