A press conference was held to introduce the Atlanta Hawks latest additions by way of the draft, Zaccharie Risacher and Nikola Djurišič.
The city of Atlanta is already buzzing with anticipation for its first-round draft pick, Zaccharie Risacher. When speaking with Risacher he tells of the moment he found out he had been drafted. “It was special…I’m just excited to be with the hawks right now.”
In the Risacher household, sports is not just a competition, but instead a way of life used to hold them together. Basketball, in particular, holds a special place, holding deeply with Stéphane Risacher, a former professional player in France and also father of Zaccharie.
“For us, sports, especially basketball, has always been more than just a game,” shares Stéphane Risacher. “It’s been a way to bond.” As a former athlete himself, he understands the nuances of the game and the opportunities it presents. However, his perspective shifts when viewed through the lens of fatherhood. “Balancing the knowledge of the sport and its possibilities alongside being a parent has all been emotionally overwhelming,” he admits. Nevertheless, the entire family is excited as Zaccharie takes his next steps in his career.
Both of these players have international backgrounds which have helped shape them into the athletes they are today,” noted the Hawks’ newcomers. “I’m willing to do anything to win,” said Djurišič, who was a second round draft pick, his sentiment echoed by Risacher who added, “I always give 110%.” Djurišič further emphasized his eagerness to learn and grow alongside his new teammates, stating, “It’s been a hectic month. I’m super tired. But when I got to Atlanta it was like a burst of energy…It feels like a family here.”
Hawks’ General Manager Landry Fields, emphasized the team’s commitment to developing young talent and building for the future. “Zaccharie and Nikola embody the qualities we value: dedication, skill, and a team-first mentality,” he added, “It was all about knowing who we wanted, being aggressive, and ultimately getting our guys.”
As the press conference concluded, optimism filled the air among fans and team personnel alike. With training camp on the horizon, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an exciting season for the Atlanta Hawks and their newest additions, Risacher and Djurišič.