Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

An impending clash between Next Stars Alexandre Sarr and Alex Toohey has captured the interest of NBA scouts.

30 Nov
By Dan Woods for NBL.com.au

Alexandre Sarr is coping well with the pressure and eyes of being a top draft prospect according to John Rillie, who welcomed Miami Heat international scout Denis Memic to the club’s training base during the week.

The Heat are just the next in a line of NBA clubs who are keeping their eyes on Sarr, who has soared as high as the number one projection in The Athletic’s recent mock draft. He was ranked second in Friday's mock, released by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Memic attended Wildcats training and will be in the arena for Friday night’s high-profile clash with the reigning champion Sydney Kings.

“I try to check in with him as often as possible to make sure I can do something to help him through this,” Rillie said of the Wildcats’ French phenom.

“I do think having his parents here and having his brother (OKC forward Olivier Sarr) go through it brings a little ease to it.

“He’s just a great kid.

“I don’t think anyone can really speak on it because no one has been a prospective number one pick (in the NBL) before.”

While most eyes will be on Sarr ahead of the upcoming draft, Rillie believes the attendance of a raft of scouts will only benefit the Wildcats’ program and some of its other emerging players.

“Obviously Alex gets a lot of attention, but I do think we have other members – young members and older members that have been veterans in international play – the opportunity to be revisited,” Rillie continued.

“I would say everyone’s a winner when those guys shuffle through your organisation.”

The Wildcats and Kings will clash at 9:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo.

Nbl+ Ingamestats 1920x250

For early access and updates, stay up to date with the hottest young basketball talent in the world. Sign up below and never miss a play or the next big moment.

By signing up you agree to the NBL Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.