This is a big first for French sport. For basketball fans, the NBA Draft or the grand mass of one of the most influential leagues in the world that reshuffles the cards of each season is an unmissable event. Every year, all the teams participate in a big lottery to determine the order of selection of the best young players in the world who enter the most exclusive championship of the orange ball, the lowest ranked benefiting from an advantage in the probability of having the first choice.
A year ago, the Spurs wrote a new page in their history on a blue-white-red background by choosing Victor Wembanyama, the first Tricolor called by boss Adam Silver on the podium in first position, in the history of the Great league. During the night from Wednesday to Thursday, not only did French basketball repeat the feat with Zaccharie Risacher designated as first pick (Atlanta Hawks), but another was right on his heels in 2nd position, Alexandre Sarr (Washington), then another third in 6th place, Tidjane Salaün (Charlotte Hornets)… and the chalice to the dregs, an Aubagnais in 25th position: Pacôme Dadiet.
The 2.03m and 98kg winger, who turns 19 (next July 27), will see New York after being born at the foot of Garlaban. Born in Bouches-du-Rhône, the player did not breathe the sea air for long since his parents went into exile in Val-de-Marne when he was only one year old. He then studied in Charenton between 2011 and 2020, then spent a year at the France pole and, like many of his predecessors who tried their luck in the big ceremony on the other side of the Atlantic, a year in Betclic Elite in Paris when the first English-speaking whispers reached him.
The bet is enormous for this native of the region who arrives in the city of all fantasies, within one of the most followed franchises and, above all, a squad which works well and comes out of an unexpected season with a second place in Eastern Conference. Players have built a solid reputation in the space of a year and it will not be easy to find a place for Pacôme Dadiet. But the Habs are fortunate to be able to benefit from a positive dynamic in a team that is progressing. For those who are still standing, he will be one of the men to watch this NBA season… it’s worth it to break through in the city that never sleeps.
