Rising Star Zaccharie Risacher Makes NBA Debut with Atlanta Hawks
In an exclusive interview with AFP, French prospect Zaccharie Risacher, the top pick in June’s draft, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to debut in the NBA, emphasizing that his journey was not preordained.
At just 19 years old, Zaccharie Risacher is set to kickstart his professional career with the Atlanta Hawks as they face the Brooklyn Nets. Hailing from a basketball lineage with his father, former French international Stéphane Risacher, Zaccharie attributes his rapid rise to his hard work and the invaluable support of his family.
Embracing Self-Made Success
Q: Was it your destiny, following your father’s career, to play at the highest level in the NBA?
A: “Not particularly. I know that I am where I am because of my own efforts. No one forced me, no one worked in my place. I truly believe that I created this opportunity for myself, it wasn’t predetermined. But after making the decision to pursue this path at a young age, I was also surrounded by a strong support system. With my family background and the experience my father provided, once I committed wholeheartedly, I received excellent guidance, both on and off the court.”
Fond Beginnings in Lyon
Risacher reminisced about his basketball origins, citing Lyon as the starting point of his journey. With a hoop in their backyard installed by his father upon their arrival, Zaccharie, along with his sister Aïnhoa, who also plays for Asvel, spent countless hours honing their skills. Regular training sessions with his father instilled in Zaccharie a passion for the game from a young age, setting the foundation for his future aspirations.
Q: How did you prepare for your NBA debut, especially off the court?
A: “To be honest, I focused more on the game itself, although I have realized in recent months that there’s more to it than just basketball. I experienced my first move on my own. There were many things to manage: getting my driver’s license, buying a car, finding a personal chef, all with the intention of making my life as easy as possible and preparing for the season effectively. It’s a significant change. Doing all this in a different country, in a different language, is quite challenging. I have a great support system, and the team has been very helpful. I’m truly grateful for that. I feel like I’m making progress as I go along. The key is to work with my teammates and not hesitate to ask questions.”
As Zaccharie Risacher embarks on his NBA journey, he remains grounded in his self-made success, guided by a strong family foundation and a commitment to continuous growth on and off the court. His debut with the Atlanta Hawks marks the beginning of a promising career in the world’s most prestigious basketball league.