Predicted No. 1 pick Zachary Lizacher has submitted paperwork to the league office to become eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft, he told ESPN on Monday.
“It's always been my dream to go up to the best league in the world,” Lizacher told ESPN. “I have been working hard for this since I was a child. JL Bourg has given me a great opportunity to show what I can do. This is the perfect place to start my young career. I'm really grateful for the opportunity to play for this organization. ”
Lizacher, 19, is having a successful season in France. His JL Boole team is currently in 3rd place in Pro A and has advanced to the Eurocup finals. He is averaging 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 39% from three in 23 minutes per game.
“I'm proud to have been part of this journey with my teammates and what we achieved in the Eurocup. I want to do something special with the rest of the season. It's a long season with many ups and downs. It was a long process.” ”
Since August, Lizach has played in more than 60 games across multiple competitions, more than any other player in this draft class, and there are likely two months left before the French playoffs begin in mid-May. right.
“Physically, I feel good,” Lizacher said. “I always make sure that my body feels fit to compete at the highest level. There were moments where I felt a little tired because of that.'' That doesn't include the additional development work I'm doing at the same time, but it's not a long season. ”
Zachary, the son of former Olympian and EuroLeague player Stefan Lizacher, was seen early on as having the potential to be one of the top international players of his generation. He represented France at FIBA U16, U17 and U19 levels, making his senior national team debut in February this year at the age of 18.
Lizacher took his game to the next level this season, competing against the highest level of competition in international basketball. At 6 feet 10 inches tall, he shows deep range and dynamic shot-making talent, running off screens and dribbling from beyond the arc. He alternates between point guard and power forward in his team's switching scheme, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best player. He plays with an error-free, intelligent style with excellent instincts on both ends of the floor, and his versatility makes him an easy fit on the roster of almost any NBA team, although his developing size He still has great potential to grow at a young age. manner.
“There's a lot I can bring to an NBA team,” Lizacher said. “First of all, my biggest strength is my shooting, then my defensive ability, and finally my ability to use my versatility to do what I'm asked to do. I can also rebound and do whatever I need to do. I can handle the ball and finish at the rim, pass the ball, whatever you ask me to do, I'll do it, and I'll do it well. ”
Lizacher, who grew up admiring Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, said he's less concerned with his draft picks than finding the right players for his NBA career.
“My goal at the beginning of the season was to get drafted as high as possible, just like the rest of my competitors, but I don't get mad or disappointed if I don't get drafted first or second. I want to be my turn.’ But I want to achieve my dreams. We know the NBA Draft isn't the end, it's just the beginning. That's why I don't really care about the top pick. ”
The NBA Draft will be held in New York on June 26th and 27th. The first round will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with the second round the following day at ESPN's studios in lower Manhattan.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA Draft expert and founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by NBA, NCAA, and international teams.
