NBL Media looks at the Next Stars who could land in the NBA via the Draft in late June. 

Name: Alex Sarr
Position: F/C
Height: 7’1
Weight: 101 kg
Age: 19
Born: France

An athletic, defensive gazelle who runs the floor and has enough offensive potential to become a great two-way player at the next level.

The seven-foot-one Frenchman's ability to protect the paint and shoot from beyond the arc is similar to the NBA's 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Likely selection: Pick 1-2

Alex Sarr is projected by all major outlets to be selected with either pick one or pick two at the upcoming NBA Draft. 

Averages: 9.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Season highlight: Round 17 vs SEM Phoenix: 18 PTS (6-8 FG), 5 BLK in 18 minutes

Alex Sarr is next in line of supremely talented French big men. His mix of mobility, athleticism and switchability on defense makes that end his current calling card, but it doesn’t stop there.

He has shown glimpses of what he can do on offense as well. A controlled touch around the rim, passing ability, capability to knock down the 3 and even a bit of a face-up game makes his potential as not only an elite defender, but a great two-way player a very real thing.

"Sarr would fill an immediate need with his size, length, defensive versatility and rim protection, leading the Australian NBL in block percentage by a wide margin. He has real upside to tap into in other areas as well, flashing ability as a pick-and-roll finisher, perimeter shooter, ball handler and passer." - Jonathan Givony (ESPN)

"The obvious draw to Sarr revolves around his rim protection, defensive switchability and potential to stretch from the floor from the 4 or 5 positions." - Jonathan Wasserman (Bleacher Report)