NBL24 season review - Alex Sarr

The high-flying Frenchman’s NBA draft stocks soared since joining the Perth Wildcats in the off-season, with several pundits having him at the top of their charts.

After a brilliant pre-season series against the G-League Ignite in Las Vegas, Sarr also produced regularly during the Wildcats' home-and-away campaign in front of a host of NBA scout and executives who regularly flew to Australia to watch him play.

Sarr’s first match-winning performance was in the annual Pink Game against Adelaide 36ers in October, nailing a couple of late triples to help clinch a thrilling victory.

His clutch shots came after a crucial rebound at the other end of the floor.

“It was a pick and pop situation. It’s like any other shot you take in a game. It was meaningful to take it. It was two great shots that gave us a little air in the fourth quarter,” Sarr said after the win.

“I feel like the confidence is taking them. I happened to make them. It gives me more confidence now going on because you’re in those situations and know you can make those shots. It’s good to know.”

A hip injury sustained in late December against the 36ers in Adelaide sidelined Sarr for about a month, but he bounced back for some important performances in the back end of the season.

Sarr averaged a play-offs high 2.7 blocked shots per game during the semi-final series against Tasmania, earning head coach John Rillie’s praise after the game-one win at RAC Arena.

Rillie felt Sarr’s game-one performance was his best in terms in rim protection in NBL24.

“I believe this was the best game for him protecting the rim,” Rillie said.

“His activity protecting the rim was tremendous and that’s where I really thought he made a difference for us.”

The athletic and exciting 216cm talent averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 0.9 assists in NBL24, playing a little over 17 minutes per game.

NBL24 stats – Alex Sarr

Points: 9.4 per game

Rebounds: 4.3

Blocks: 1.5

Assists: 0.9

Field-goal percentage: 52%