French Phenom Risacher Chosen as First Pick by Hawks in NBA Draft.

The Atlanta Hawks picked French teenager Zaccharie Risacher as the first overall choice in the NBA draft.

For the second consecutive year, a French player has been the first pick in the NBA draft.

Last year, Victor Wembanyama was the clear favorite for the top spot. This year, Zaccharie Risacher and fellow Frenchman Alexandre Sarr have frequently alternated as top prospects in mock drafts over the past month.

Risacher, 19, stands 6ft 9in and weighed 195 pounds at the draft combine in May. He last played for JL Bourg-en-Bresse in France's top league.

"I'm so excited," he told ESPN. "There are a lot of feelings and emotions right now. I feel blessed."

The Washington Wizards picked Sarr, also 19, with the second overall pick after his season with the Perth Wildcats in Australia's National Basketball League.

This marks the third time in NBA draft history that the top two picks have no college experience. Sarr's brother, Olivier, is a center for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"He's shared so much with me," Alexandre Sarr told ESPN. "Everything I've learned is from him. It's special to have someone like him in my corner."

The Houston Rockets selected Kentucky's Reed Sheppard with the third pick, while UConn's Stephon Castle went to the San Antonio Spurs at number four.

Ron Holland of G League Ignite, who will join the Detroit Pistons, rounded out the top five. Tidjane Salaun, making it three French players among the first six picks, was taken by the Charlotte Hornets.

LeBron James has expressed a desire to play with or against his son before ending his NBA career. Bronny James, 19, is expected to be selected in the second round on Thursday. The Lakers selected Dalton Knecht 17th overall and have another pick late in the second round.