Photos: Perth Wildcats Media

NBL Next Star Alexandre Sarr has touched down in Perth and is ready to make his mark. 

Sarr, the first Next Star signing in Perth’s storied history, is projected to be the 19^th selection in ESPN’s 2024 NBA mock draft and he will look to increase that ranking while playing in the NBL.

The French sensation is set to play a key role for John Rillie’s men and the 18-year-old believes he is ready for what the NBL has to offer.

“I definitely think I’m ready for the competition. I can’t wait to get in and challenge guys in the NBL,” Sarr said, via The West Australian.

“When you put the work in, whether it’s in the weight room or on the court, that definitely helps to take the next steps in my game.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PerthWildcats</a> have welcomed 18-year-old French sensation Alex Sarr to Perth for the upcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBL</a> season. Destined for the <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBA</a> the 216-centimetre tall centre towered over <a href="https://twitter.com/ScubaStv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScubaStv</a> during an exclusive chat on arrival | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Basketball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Basketball</a> <a href="https://t.co/gk5EMEWzlQ">pic.twitter.com/gk5EMEWzlQ</a></p>&mdash; 10 News First Perth (@10NewsFirstPER) <a href="https://twitter.com/10NewsFirstPER/status/1684140282156052480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Next Stars program is a breeding ground for NBA talent, with five Next Stars being drafted directly to the NBA, including LaMelo Ball (pick 3, 2020), RJ Hampton (pick 24, 2020), Josh Giddey (pick 6, 2021), Ousmane Dieng (pick 11, 2022), and Rayan Rupert (pick 43, 2023).

“I just thought it was the best pathway for me. I thought I’d really enjoy the NBL and I want to compete in that league. I think the NBL gives me the best opportunity,” Sarr said.

The Wildcats’ season tips off on September 29 against the Tasmania JackJumpers.