Wildcats Next Star jumps into top-10 of 2024 NBA Draft prospects

The exciting French talent has shot up the latest projected draft rankings on the back of an eye-catching FIBA Under-19s World Cup campaign this off-season, helping his country win the silver medal.

Sarr was ranked at No.8 in The Athletic's mock draft by guru Sam Vecenie, who felt the 18-year-old, 216cm giant had all the tools teams look for in a defensively-minded centre.

" Scouts who headed down to Overtime Elite last year came away impressed with Sarr, particularly on the defensive end," Vecenie wrote.

"Playing with Almansa on the YNG Dreamerz team, Sarr showcased the type of defensive mobility and versatility that scouts wanted to see.

"He plays a bit upright, but has fluid feet that allow him to slide with opposing players well.

"Sarr also has excellent help instincts near the rim, showcasing the ability to rotate down from the elbow or across the play from the corner to contest and block shots.

"Sarr is coming off a solid U19 World Cup in which he, Melvin Ajinca and Zacharie Perrin led France to a silver medal finish.

"His offensive role remains quite limited, but he shows some flashes of comfort with the ball as a driver and decision-maker beyond just catching and finishing at the rim.

"At 7-foot with a near 7-foot-5 wingspan, he has all the tools teams look for in a low-usage, defensively minded centre.

"He’ll play for the Perth Wildcats in the NBL this season, where he’ll likely back up All-NBL big man Keanu Pinder and fortify the team’s defensive backline."

Sarr is set to make his Perth Wildcats debut in the first of two matches against the NBL1 All Stars in Rockingham on August 25.

He will also get the opportunity to strut his stuff in front of a host of NBA scouts when the Wildcats travel to Las Vegas in early September for a pair of games against the NBA G-League Ignite.

You can read Sam Vecenie's full 2024 NBA Mock Draft here