It seems the Perth Wildcats’ first experiment with the NBL’s Next Star Program has hit a home run, with NBA scouts feeling Alexandre Sarr could be a chance to become the number 1 overall pick in next year’s NBA draft after the team’s two exhibition games versus the G-League Ignite.
The second annual Fall Invitational featuring the G League Ignite and an international team (last year Ignite faced French team Mets 92 and No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama) was a first for Australian basketball, with the game being the first time an NBL team faced a G-League team.
NBA scouts converged on Las Vegas for the games in anticipation of seeing G League Ignite teammates Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland as each looked to potentially solidify themselves as the No. 1 player in the 2024 class. As the two-game series wrapped up, however, Sarr, who averaged 21.5 points and six blocks per game in the two outings vs. G League Ignite was the hot topic.
Sarr competing against eight of Ignite’s draft prospects to watch the two teams split their series 1-1. The Ignite came away victorious in the first game, 124-105, and then Perth rebounded with a 127-112 win on Friday.
Alex Sarr is clearly the player in the two Ignite-Perth games who has helped himself most. Thought he was most impressive guy in Game 1, and clearly was the most impressive so far in this Game 2 through a half. Defensive coverage is just ridiculous. Great scramble/help instincts
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) September 9, 2023
Entering the game, Sarr’s length and fluidity were well-known as his most promising attributes, but his ability this week to convert that into production — both as a shot-blocker and as a finisher from inside and out — really stood out. He not only played with physicality and confidence on the inside, but his stroke looked good extending beyond the 3-point line to boot, showcasing real stretch-big potential.
The opening game saw Sarr record 17 points, six blocks, and seven rebounds while Ron Holland led Ignite with 23 points, five rebounds and three steals in just 28 minutes of action.
In game number two, Sarr amassed 26 points, snatching 10 rebounds, and a second consecutive game of six blocks while leading with a +23 plus/minus coming off the bench. Ignite were led by a huge 33-point effort from Holland on the other side and Bryce Cotton finished as the game’s high scorer with 40 points.
The Frenchman recorded 12 blocks across the two games, which speaks volumes to how impactful he is as a rim protector at the NBA level.
Sarr’s size, instincts and timing as a shot-blocker are really impressive and it allows him to be one of the top rim-protecting prospects eligible for this year’s upcoming draft. A fellow scout said he has a chance to be a Jaren Jackson Jr. type of defender if he’s able to reach his ceiling on that end which is high praise for Sarr.
Alexandre Sarr getting it done on both ends in the fourth quarter ????
Watch via NBA TV / NBA App ???? pic.twitter.com/QiZVPwPtpV
— NBL (@NBL) September 9, 2023
Sarr arrived in Australia rated as a first-round draft pick before his, but two outstanding games against G-League Ignite have shown he is clearly among the best young players in the world.
Sarr’s physical attributes alone set him apart. Standing tall at 7-foot-1 with a wingspan stretching to 7-foot-5, he possesses the mobility and agility of a wing player. His defensive versatility shines through as he demonstrates the ability to switch positions seamlessly and excel as a pick-and-roll defender. Sarr’s lateral quickness and expansive coverage make him a formidable force against ball-handlers, consistently shutting down dribble penetration.
Alexandre Sarr cleans up the miss with authority ????
The @PerthWildcats lead the @GleagueIgnite 38-30 after one ✅
Watch via NBA TV / NBA App ???? pic.twitter.com/jFsEx7AsQB
— NBL (@NBL) September 9, 2023
Sarr’s offensive game is equally promising. He displayed a knack for long-range shooting by going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc in his encounters with Ignite. His pick-and-pop abilities project favourably, allowing him to seamlessly transition between the power forward and centre positions. Additionally, Sarr’s scoring proficiency extends to the paint, where he exhibits a delicate touch around the rim and an impressive finishing ability above it. Notably, he also showcased glimpses of off-the-dribble skills, an enticing prospect for a player of his towering stature.
While Sarr’s potential is undeniable, there remain areas of improvement on the offensive end. Developing a more polished post-game, honing his passing reads, and reducing turnovers are areas that warrant attention. However, if Sarr continues his upward trajectory and approaches his ceiling on both ends of the floor, he possesses the attributes to become a bona fide star in the NBA.
In the 2024 NBA Draft landscape, there is no other prospect who combines athletic prowess, skill, defensive acumen, and sheer size quite like Alexandre Sarr. While the draft is still approximately nine months away, it is increasingly apparent that Sarr has a compelling argument to stake his claim as the top pick in this year’s draft class. As the basketball world eagerly awaits the draft day spectacle, Sarr’s journey to potentially becoming the No. 1 overall pick promises to be an enthralling narrative to follow.
The Wildcats have now scheduled another match against Overtime Elite while they are in the US. Sarr played for Overtime Elite last season.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
