ATLANTA — Who is Zaccharie Risacher?
He’s the Atlanta Hawks’ first No. 1 overall draft pick 1975, a year before the NBA and ABA merged into the National Basketball Association we know today.
Risacher was born in Malaga, Spain, but he was raised in France. His father, Stephane, was a member of the French Olympic team in 2000, when he earned a silver medal with the basketball team.
"It's always been my dream to get to the best league in the world," Risacher told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony in April. "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."
In this past season with JL Bourg, Risacher averaged 11.1 points and four rebounds over 65 games. He also shot 39 percent from three-point range.
Despite his age - Risacher won’t turn 20 until April 2025 - Risacher already has an experience edge on the other members of this draft class. His 65 games played this season are more than any other player drafted this year, and will give him a conditioning advantage for the NBA’s rigorous schedule.
Risacher helped his team to a championship in the U19 World Cup last season as a member of the French national team. He also represented France at the U16 and U17 levels.
"My goal at the beginning of the season was to get drafted as high as possible, like any competitor,” Risacher told ESPN. “But I won't be angry or disappointed if I'm not No. 1 or No. 2. I want to be the best, but I also want to achieve my dreams. I know the NBA draft is not the end, it's just the beginning. That's why I pay less attention to being the highest pick.”