Alexandre Sarr has lit the NBL up during his time in the competition, and the projected top three draft pick has calmed discussions that he could call it quits before the end of NBL24, in order to protect his draft stock. 

The Overtime Elite graduate has seen his draft position soar since joining the Wildcats this season. Heading into the campaign, Sarr was projected as the 17^th pick at the 2024 NBA Draft, by ESPN, but that position has since risen to second overall.

The NBL’s most recent top three prospect – LaMelo Ball – departed the competition prior to the end in order to protect his draft stock and injury status, but Sarr says there is little likelihood of him doing the same.

“Right now we’re winning and my goal is to make the playoffs and get the furthest I can,” Sarr said.

“Even outside of the draft I’m having fun out there and competing for something. This is the first time in my life I’ve been part of a league where I’m really trying to win something at the end.

“Short of anything happening next year, I’m just having fun playing every night here.

“The team’s doing well, we’ve got a six-win streak so it’s pretty nice and we’re just trying to keep it going.”

Sarr has been ranked as high as first overall by high-level mock draft publications like The Athletic, and his performance in Friday night’s high-scoring win over Sydney will have done nothing to reduce the interest in his services from NBA sides.

The French phenom has slowly been given more responsibility in John Rillie’s rotation – even after the head coach slashed the minutes being given to a number of his stars.

Sarr added 15 points and grabbed five rebounds in just 16 minutes of action against experienced pair Jordan Hunter and Jonah Bolden in the win, and he says battling with the likes of Keanu Pinder and Jesse Wagstaff in training have primed him to thrive on the NBL stage.

“I just focus on the day to day, I focus on getting my work in the weight room and coming out here and getting my work with the team. I don’t have to do much except work every day, and that’s pretty much it,” Sarr continued.

“There are adjustments when you come to the pro game but I think practicing against all the guys gets me ready for the game.

“It’s not that much of a jump to me when I get into games because I’ve been practicing against even better players every day.

“I think everybody is just competing hard, everybody knowing their role and we’re just trying to win ugly, and you can see that.”

Perth will look to continue their league-best win streak when it takes on Illawarra on Friday, December 8.