The Perth Wildcats have signed French teenage sensation and first-round NBA draft prospect Alexandre Sarr for the upcoming NBL season.
Sarr has signed a one-season take care of the Wildcats as a part of the NBL’s Next Stars program.
The 18-year-old is projected to be taken at about choose No.17 within the 2024 NBA draft, and his arrival in Perth goes a good distance in the direction of offsetting the lack of Luke Travers, who has joined Melbourne United.
Sarr, whose peak is listed at 213-216cm, has spent the previous two years creating his sport at Overtime Elite (OTE) within the United States.
OTE is an expert basketball league for 16- to 20-year-olds, primarily based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Before that, Sarr competed in Spain with Real Madrid’s Cadet A Youth Team.
Sarr has established himself in France’s nationwide workforce program, profitable a bronze medal on the 2022 Under 17 World Cup, the place he averaged 12 factors, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.
The Sarr household has a powerful basketball pedigree, with Alexandre’s older brother, Olivier, having spent the 2022/23 NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Alexandre Sarr, who is because of arrive in Perth in July, will likely be aiming to affix the likes of LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton in utilizing the Next Stars program to propel himself to a profitable NBA profession.
“It feels great, it’s a new experience for me, I’ve never been near Australia before, but I can’t wait to take on the challenge,” Sarr stated in an announcement.
“I’ve really liked what I’ve seen when I’ve watched some Wildcats games, the way they play, RAC Arena and the fans are crazy, and I just wanted to be a part of it and build my own legacy through it.”
Sarr joins former Cairns star Keanu Pinder, energy ahead David Okwera, and New Zealand ahead Hyrum Harris as new signings on the Wildcats.
Bryce Cotton, Corey Webster and Tai Webster are additionally locked in for subsequent season in what has grow to be a star-studded roster.
Sarr is ready to offer Wildcats coach John Rillie with explosive ending across the basket and flexibility on the defensive finish.
“Alex’s youth, athleticism and potential is what attracted us, those were attributes we want to address in the off-season,” Rillie stated.
“He will bring length, rim protection and a dimension to our defence we haven’t had. His natural offensive skills will be a natural fit.
“Securing a Next Star is one thing the membership has been taking a look at over the past couple of seasons, and we really feel Alex ticks the packing containers that we’re in search of in a Next Star.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
