Atlanta Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher has expressed his strong desire to represent the French national team at EuroBasket 2025. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sees the opportunity as a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream.
“Playing for the French national team is a childhood dream,” Risacher said during an interview with Basket Session. “Every competitor wants to win medals for their country, and it would be an immense honor for me to represent France at the EuroBasket.”
The 19-year-old forward added that the tournament holds personal significance, particularly because of his connection with Frédéric Fauthoux. The current French head coach was Risacher’s mentor during his time at Bourg-en-Bresse in the French league.
“I’m really looking forward to the day I can play for this team,” Risacher said. “And of course, I’d be thrilled to reunite with my former coach!”
Risacher has made a solid start to his NBA career, averaging 10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 23.6 minutes per game. Despite transitioning to the rigors of the league, the rookie has his sights set on contributing to France’s national program next summer.
France is expected to contend for a medal at EuroBasket 2025, especially after a strong performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games where they reached the gold medal game and lost to Team USA.
EuroBasket 2025 will take place in Latvia, Cyprus, Finland, and Poland, with the finals set to be held in Riga. The tournament will bring together Europe’s top teams in a fiercely competitive environment, and Risacher is eager to embrace the challenge.
