Zaccharie Risacher Bio
Zaccharie Risacher is a French professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected with the first overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft. Born on April 8, 2005, in Málaga, Spain, Risacher has demonstrated exceptional skills on the court, making a significant impact in his early career. Known for his versatility as a small forward and his efficiency as a shooter, he has drawn attention in international competitions as well as in domestic leagues.
Early Life and Background
Zaccharie Risacher was born in Málaga, Spain, where his father, Stéphane Risacher, played professional basketball for Baloncesto Málaga from 2002 to 2006. His family later moved back to Lyon, France, where he began playing club basketball at Élan Chalon at the age of three and a half. He also played at the youth club Tassin in the suburbs of Lyon. Risacher entered the youth program of ASVEL Basket in August 2020, primarily playing for the club’s youth team in LNB Espoirs, the French under-21 league.
Path to Basketball
Risacher made his debut with ASVEL’s senior team in 2021 during a match against Metropolitans 92 in the LNB Élite. He also made his EuroLeague debut later in the season, on January 18, 2022, in a game against Monaco. During his time in the LNB Espoirs competition, he averaged 12.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. On June 16, 2023, Risacher signed his first professional contract with ASVEL, before being loaned to JL Bourg for the 2023–24 season. He played for JL Bourg in the EuroCup, where the team reached the Finals before losing to Paris Basketball. In April 2024, he was awarded the EuroCup Rising Star prize, becoming the second-youngest player to win the award.
Zaccharie Risacher Career
Early Career (2020–2024)
Risacher’s professional career began in 2020 when he joined ASVEL Basket. He quickly made a name for himself, debuting in the LNB Élite and later in the EuroLeague. His performance earned him recognition, including being named to the LNB All-Star Game in 2023. He also won the LNB Élite championship in 2022 and was named the Best Young Player of the 2023–24 season.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
In April 2024, Zaccharie Risacher declared for the NBA draft, confirming his entry on May 2. He was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, making him the second consecutive French player to be drafted first overall. On July 6, 2024, he signed with the Hawks and made his NBA Summer League debut shortly after, scoring 18 points in his first game. Risacher made his regular-season debut on October 23, 2024, where he scored seven points in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. He has since achieved multiple career highs, including a remarkable 38 points in a game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 10, 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Risacher’s signature work includes his performance in the NBA, where he has quickly established himself as a key player for the Atlanta Hawks. His accolades include being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2025 and winning the EuroCup Rising Star award in 2024.
Zaccharie Risacher Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Zaccharie Risacher has received several nominations, including recognition for his performances in both domestic and international competitions.
Zaccharie Risacher Awards Won
Risacher has won multiple awards, including the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2025, EuroCup Rising Star in 2024, and LNB Élite Best Young Player in 2024. He also won the LNB Élite championship in 2022 and was named an LNB All-Star in 2023.
Zaccharie Risacher Family
Zaccharie Risacher is of Martiniquais descent through his father, Stéphane Risacher, who also played basketball professionally and won a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics with the France national team. His younger sister, Aïnhoa Risacher, is also a professional basketball player, currently playing for LDLC ASVEL Féminin of the Ligue Féminine de Basketball.
Personal Life
Details about Zaccharie Risacher’s personal life are limited, but he is known to have a close relationship with his family, particularly with his father, who has been a significant influence on his basketball career.
