Get to know Alex Sarr
Alex Sarr speaks to Andy Katz about his journey to the NBA Draft, which started when he left home to play abroad at the age of 14.
Overview
Sarr was born in Bordeaux, France, to a family of basketball players. He started playing at four years old, developing well and securing a spot on Real Madrid’s cadet youth team for two seasons starting in 2019. Shortly after, in 2021, he moved to the United States and joined the Overtime Elite for two seasons, playing the first with Team Overtime and the second with YNG Dreamerz. In 2022-23, he earned second-team All-OTE honors. Gaining steam as a draft prospect, Sarr joined the Australian Basketball League for 2023-24 as a member of the Perth Wildcats, utilizing the NBL’s Next Stars program. In 30 appearances, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.5 blocks in 18.0 minutes.
Analysis
Sarr stands 7-foot-1, with defense being his standout skill. He moves incredibly well for his size and can guard on the perimeter as well as protect the rim. That size and athleticism make him an obvious pick-and-roll threat, and he’s shown some potential as a ballhandler in transition and passer in the halfcourt. The hope is that he can evolve into more of a shooter, but he went a modest 16-of-58 (28%) from deep last year and 58-of-82 (71%) from the charity stripe. Sarr also has a thin frame, which may cause some challenges against bulkier NBA centers.
Projection
Sarr’s full potential will be reached if he can develop a 3-point shot and/or some playmaking potential in addition to his defense. As it stands, he draws comparisons to Evan Mobley. Sarr is too fluid to be compared to someone like Rudy Gobert and not a good enough shooter to be compared to Chet Holmgren. Primarily, he contains the upside to be one of the most impactful defenders in the NBA and should have no problem walking into double-doubles given his athleticism running the break and throwing down dunks.
— Profile by RotoWire