Wildcats sign French rising star Alexandre Sarr

The Perth Wildcats have signed French teenage sensation and first-round NBA draft prospect Alexandre Sarr for the upcoming NBL season.

Sarr has signed a one-season deal with the Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program.

The 18-year-old is projected to be taken at about pick No.17 in the 2024 NBA draft, and his arrival in Perth goes a long way towards offsetting the loss of Luke Travers, who has joined Melbourne United.

Sarr, whose height is listed at 213-216cm, has spent the past two years developing his game at Overtime Elite (OTE) in the United States.

OTE is a professional basketball league for 16- to 20-year-olds, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Before that, Sarr competed in Spain with Real Madrid's Cadet A Youth Team.

Sarr has established himself in France's national team program, winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Under 17 World Cup, where he averaged 12 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

The Sarr family has a strong basketball pedigree, with Alexandre's older brother, Olivier, having spent the 2022/23 NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Alexandre Sarr, who is due to arrive in Perth in July, will be aiming to join the likes of LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton in using the Next Stars program to propel himself to a successful NBA career.

"It feels great, it's a new experience for me, I've never been near Australia before, but I can't wait to take on the challenge," Sarr said in a statement.

"I've really liked what I've seen when I've watched some Wildcats games, the way they play, RAC Arena and the fans are crazy, and I just wanted to be a part of it and build my own legacy through it."

Sarr joins former Cairns star Keanu Pinder, power forward David Okwera, and New Zealand forward Hyrum Harris as new signings at the Wildcats.

Bryce Cotton, Corey Webster and Tai Webster are also locked in for next season in what has become a star-studded roster.

Sarr is set to provide Wildcats coach John Rillie with explosive finishing around the basket and versatility on the defensive end.

"Alex's youth, athleticism and potential is what attracted us, those were attributes we want to address in the off-season," Rillie said.

"He will bring length, rim protection and a dimension to our defence we haven't had. His natural offensive skills will be a natural fit.

"Securing a Next Star is something the club has been looking at over the last couple of seasons, and we feel Alex ticks the boxes that we are looking for in a Next Star."