Alexandre Sarr

Alexandre Sarr's Biography

Introducing Alexandre Dam Sarr, a French professional basketball player whose journey of sports excellence has become an international story of success and determination. Born on April 26, 2005, in Bordeaux, France, Sarr’s astounding journey in basketball started when he was only four years old, greatly influenced by his family’s strong basketball background. Indomitable from an early age, it was clear that he was destined for greater heights in basketball.

Growing up in Bordeaux and then later in Toulouse, France, basketball was always a central part of Sarr’s life. As a part of a family of professional basketball players, the sport was pretty much in his genes. The younger brother of renowned basketball player Olivier Sarr, it was clear that passion for the game ran deep within his family.

In 2019, Sarr joined the Spanish club Real Madrid Baloncesto, where he spent two exciting seasons playing for their youth team. Each game served as a launching pad, propelling him further into the professional world of basketball.

In 2021, Sarr made the bold decision to move to the United States, forging an alternative professional basketball pathway in the newly established Overtime Elite league in Atlanta. Here, he secured a guaranteed minimum salary of at least $100,000 per year, a testament to his growing skills and promise on the court. He played two seasons at Overtime Elite, distinguishing himself by earning All-OTE honors during the 2022-23 season.

The year 2023 saw Sarr’s career take a new turn; he signed with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). Joining the team as part of the league’s heralded Next Stars program, he demonstrated his prowess on the court and showcased his undeniable potential to the world in the 2023-24 season.

However, his season was not without challenges. Sarr sustained a hip strain during a match against the Adelaide 36ers in December, which led to a month-long recovery period. He returned stronger than ever in January 2024, scoring a stunning 18 points and securing five blocks in a match against South East Melbourne Phoenix and led his team into the NBL playoff semifinals.

On April 12, 2024, Sarr was brought into the limelight when he declared for the 2024 NBA draft, an announcement that was eagerly awaited by basketball enthusiasts. He was then selected as the second overall pick by the Washington Wizards on June 26, 2024. This was the Wizards’ highest selection in 14 years, and Sarr, alongside other French players Zaccharie Risacher and Tidjane Salaün, made history as France became the first foreign nation to have three native players selected in the top 10 spots of an NBA draft.

On July 6, 2024, Sarr officially became a professional NBA player, after securing a rookie-scale contract with the Wizards. He began his NBA career with an impressive average of 5.5 points and 7.8 rebounds in four NBA Summer League games. His NBA debut on October 24 saw him rack up two points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks, serving as a starter in a game against the Boston Celtics.

While thriving in his professional basketball career, Sarr has also brought glory to his nation by making notable contributions on the French junior national basketball team. He debuted with the team in 2021 and was a protagonist in securing victories at the FIBA U16 European Challengers and the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, where France clinched a bronze medal. He further glorified his country when he helped France secure the silver at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup.

Sarr is of Senegalese descent and proudly embraces his roots. His Senegalese father, Massar, also a professional basketball player, and his older brother, Olivier, who played for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, continuously provide him with both inspiration and guidance in his blossoming career.

In conclusion, Alexandre Dam Sarr is more than just a basketball player; he is a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, your goals are never truly out of reach. His journey from his childhood in France to the top of international basketball is an inspiring story of determination, resilience, and triumph in the face of challenges. A star on and off the court, Sarr continues to soar higher each day, a shining emblem to every budding player that dreams can come true.