Sarr starts well: « I’m just trying to learn »

Alexandre Sarr didn’t miss his debut with the French national team. This Monday evening at the Vendespace, the Washington Wizards’ big man lit up the game against Montenegro (81-75) with his talent, scoring 19 points on 7/10 shooting and 4 rebounds for a 21 efficiency rating in less than 14 minutes. A successful first selection that confirms the emergence of a new key player for France.

Excellente première avec l’équipe de France pour Alex Sarr 🔥

🇫🇷 19 PTS
🇫🇷 7/10 FG
🇫🇷 3/5 3-PTS
🇫🇷 4 RBS
🇫🇷 1 STL
🇫🇷 14 MIN pic.twitter.com/JtNnGLJD2i

— Basket-Infos (@Basket_Infos) August 5, 2025

A record start for Alexandre Sarr

He only needed 150 seconds to get the Vendée crowd on their feet. Two three-pointers, a devastating dunk, and overflowing activity: Alexandre Sarr (7’0″, 20 years old) made a strong first impression in his debut wearing the French jersey. In 13 minutes and 49 seconds on the court, the Toulouse native scored 19 points on 7/10 shooting and grabbed 4 rebounds, recording the fifth-best offensive performance for a first selection in French team history, behind names like Robert Busnel (30) and Victor Wembanyama (20).

Co-leading scorer of the game alongside Nikola Vucevic, Sarr impressed with his versatility, alternating between inside play and long-range shooting (3/5 from three-point range). His efficiency in limited minutes didn’t go unnoticed by head coach Frédéric Fauthoux: « I really liked his versatility and his ability to be efficient in short spurts. »

A rare profile for an already highly experienced player

Sarr, the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, continues to make headlines. Named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, he extends his strong summer momentum with the French team. His already extensive journey despite his young age shows in his game maturity: « At 14, I went to Spain, to Real Madrid, then to the United States with OTE. After that, Australia, a very physical league. The mix of all that is interesting, » he told BasketUSA.

In a French frontcourt missing Wembanyama, Lessort and Gobert, Alexandre Sarr represents an ambitious new generation, alongside Zaccharie Risacher, his teammate from U16 to U19 selections. « We know that some big names in French basketball aren’t here anymore. We need to take over, » he added, aware of the unique opportunity before him in this French team rebuild.

« 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖌𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖘 𝖓𝖔𝖒𝖘 𝖓𝖊 𝖘𝖔𝖓𝖙 𝖕𝖑𝖚𝖘 𝖑𝖆̀. 𝕴𝖑 𝖋𝖆𝖚𝖙 𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖗𝖊 𝖑𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖑𝖆𝖎 »

5e meilleure performance de l’histoire d’un débutant chez les A pour Alexandre Sarr 💪#TeamFranceBasket | #PassionnémentBleu | #EuroBasket

— Équipes de France de Basket (@FRABasketball) August 5, 2025

Still enormous room for improvement

Despite this successful first test, Alexandre Sarr remains clear-headed about the adjustments needed for the FIBA style: « There’s much less spacing here than in the NBA. You need to be more precise or you’ll lose the ball. I’m trying to learn, asking questions to the experienced guys. »

His long but mobile profile, capable of perimeter defense and rim protection, has already won over his teammates. « He had his big game. He can shoot, attack, disrupt on defense. His activity was key tonight, » praised Guerschon Yabusele to Ouest-France. Vincent Poirier echoed the sentiment: « That’s how he’ll earn his spot on the team. »

As the French team continues its preparation this Friday against Great Britain in Pau, Alexandre Sarr has made a strong statement and establishes himself as a credible candidate for the final EuroBasket roster (August 27 – September 14).