It’s a testament to the exceptional pipeline of French basketball talent that two members of Les Bleus make this list.
Alex Sarr, at 20, is France’s towering defensive presence and one of the most promising centers in international basketball. Standing 7-foot (2.13m) with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he combines a trifecta of rim protection, deft offensive touch, and mobility rarely seen in a player of his height — and especially at his age.
Like Risacher, Sarr was part of the French U19 team that won silver at the FIBA U19 World Cup, and he was drafted No. 2 overall by the Washington Wizards in 2024. As a rookie, he averaged 9.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, earning All-Rookie First Team honours and showcasing his ability to impact games without dominating the ball.
With France’s star bigs absent, Sarr has already shown he can step up. In his senior debut against Montenegro in a EuroBasket warm-up, he tallied 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting (3-of-5 from three), 4 rebounds, and a team-high efficiency rating of 21 — all in just 14 minutes.
Expect more from the big man as France begin their campaign against Belgium on Thursday, 28 August.