Alex Sarr

Alex Sarr's Biography

Alexandre Dam Sarr, a French professional basketball player, has been ascending the ranks in the world of professional sports since his birth on April 26, 2005. His career trajectory has led him to becoming a vital member of the Washington Wizards, one of the franchises in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Additionally, Sarr occupies the power forward and center positions, showcasing his versatility on the court.

Sarr’s heritage is rooted in basketball, as evidenced by his active participation in the French youth national team, his stint with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL), and his association with his older brother Olivier Sarr, who is also an accomplished basketball player. One of his most recognized achievements includes being the second overall pick by the Wizards in the 2024 NBA draft.

Born into a family of basketball enthusiasts in Bordeaux, France, Sarr’s childhood was permeated with basketball culture. This environment ultimately influenced his decision to embrace the sport at a young age, beginning to engage in the game when he was only four. Sarr’s path in basketball transitioned from his hometown of Bordeaux to Toulouse, landing him in the youth team of Real Madrid Baloncesto, a Spanish basketball club. This experience ensured that he developed a deep understanding of the sport at a competitive level.

In 2021, Sarr decided to take his talents to America. He joined the Overtime Elite league based in Atlanta, a move that solidified his professional career with a guaranteed minimal annual salary of $100,000. While contributing to two seasons for Team Overtime and YNG Dreamerz, Sarr was recognized for his skills and dedication, receiving second-team All-OTE honors in 2022–23.

The Perth Wildcats became Sarr’s team in May 2023. He adorned the Australian basketball club’s jersey as a vital part of the league’s Next Stars program, setting the stage for the 2023-24 season. Sarr faced challenges during this phase of his career, including a hip strain that forced him on the sidelines for four weeks. However, he bounced back to set a personal record by scoring 18 points and accomplishing five blocks in a win against the South East Melbourne Phoenix. With an average performance of 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 0.9 assists in 17 minutes per game, Sarr played a crucial role in propelling Perth to the NBL play-off semifinals.

In April 2024, Sarr announced his entry into the 2024 NBA draft. He was selected with the second overall pick by the Washington Wizards, the team’s highest selection in 14 years. He was among the three Frenchmen picked in the top 10 spots of the NBA draft, making France the first foreign nation with such a record in NBA history. Shortly after, Sarr forged a rookie-scale contract with the Wizards and made an impression in his NBA debut against the Boston Celtics.

Aside from his career trajectory in various clubs and leagues, Sarr has also represented France in junior international tournaments. His contribution to the French junior national team led them to victory in the FIBA U16 European Challengers. Additionally, his efforts earned France a bronze medal at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup and a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup.

Sarr’s basketball prowess transcends his immediate family: his Senegalese father, Massar, is a former professional basketball player, and his brother, Olivier, formerly played for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. This athletic lineage undoubtedly contributes to his drive and ability in the sport and solidifies his standing as a basketball prodigy.