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

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.”

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…

“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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.”

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?

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.

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.

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