All About Zaccharie Risacher's Parents, Stéphane and Sandrine Risacher

Meet Zaccharie Risacher's parents.

The French basketball player, who is projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is the son of Stéphane and Sandrine Risacher.

Risacher, who was born and raised in Spain on April 8, 2005, grew up in a basketball-loving family, as his father was a professional in the sport and actively traveled the world to compete throughout his childhood.

"It’s natural, it’s simple to us," the top prospect told reporters of the relationship he and his dad share with basketball ahead of Draft night. "That’s the strength we have as a family, our relationship was basketball-related and we always talk about basketball."

While Risacher's mom stays fairly private, the JL Bourg forward has opened up about the support he's had from both of his parents as he pursued the sport professionally. "Do my best on the court and enjoy playing" are two intentions they wanted for him growing up.

Now, Risacher's — who was announced as EuroCup Rising Star for the 2023-24 season — is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, an honor the forthcoming rookie is optimistic about. (The Atlanta Hawks won the No. 1 overall pick this year.)

“Anything can happen on draft night. You can be drafted and traded within minutes," he told the media on the eve of the Draft. "It’s kind of crazy how it works. I just wanna wait until I’m sure where I’ll live and where I’ll play.”

He added, “I’ve got good things coming up with the draft and everything. ... I’m just living the great life of a basketball player, so what can I do?”

Read on to learn more about Zaccharie Risacher's parents, Stéphane and Sandrine Risacher.

They are of French nationality

Although Risacher was born in Spain, he's of French nationality. His father, Stéphane, was born in Moulins, Allier, France in 1972.

Stéphane is a former professional basketball player

Stéphane had a remarkable career as a professional basketball star, playing across various top-tier clubs from 1987 until his retirement in 2010.

He was a six-time French League All-Star, named the French League All-Star Game's MVP in 1997 and a longtime member of the senior French national team. In 2019, he was inducted into the French Basketball Hall of Fame.

They are supportive of Zaccharie's basketball career

Risacher's had the support of his family to pursue his basketball dreams since he was a kid. Having a father who understands the game and the pressures that come with being a professional athlete, he's been able to tap Stéphane for advice on the court.

"My parents have told me since I was young just to do my best on the court and enjoy playing the game," Risacher said of what his father told him before the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2022. "After the game I have a conversation with my dad and he gives me advice and helps me, and that helps me to be better."

Stéphane is an Olympic silver medalist

Risacher helped France win a silver medal in the men's basketball tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games held in Sydney, Australia. The team was defeated by the United States, who took home the gold that year.

Stéphane inspired Zaccharie's love for basketball

Growing up in a basketball family, it's no surprise Risacher fell in love with the sport. "That's the first player I ever watched," the young athlete said of his dad when speaking with reporters ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.

“We understand the love from him, when basketball was starting to get serious and everything, he taught me a lot of things,” Risacher continued. He noted, though, that the way he and his family viewed the sport was well-balanced.

"I think that was important to be serious about it without feeling [like] it’s work," he said. "When you’re at home, you don’t wanna be working, you want peace of mind, you don’t want to stress your mind.”