Alex Sarr: College | Brother | Draft Pick | Height | Injury

At just 20 years old, Alexandre Dam Sarr — known popularly as Alex Sarr — has rapidly become one of the most talked-about young talents in professional basketball. From his early beginnings in France to being a top draft pick in the NBA, Sarr’s story is one of international success, athleticism, and resilience. In this in-depth profile, we’ll explore his journey — including his basketball upbringing, family influence, draft experience, physical profile, and injury news — giving fans and basketball enthusiasts a complete understanding of who he is and what lies ahead in his promising career.

1. Early Life and Basketball Beginnings

Alex Sarr was born on April 26, 2005, in Bordeaux, France, into a family deeply rooted in basketball. His father, Massar Sarr, played professionally and helped nurture Alex’s early passion for the sport, exposing him to competitive hoops from a very young age. Growing up in this basketball environment provided Sarr with both inspiration and structure, pushing him to excel and pursue the sport seriously.

Sarr started playing organized basketball at a very young age and quickly displayed a natural affinity for the game’s nuances. His combination of size, athleticism, and coordination distinguished him early on and drew attention from scouts across Europe. 

2. Youth Career and Development

Real Madrid Youth Academy

Before emerging on the global scene, Sarr spent time developing at Real Madrid’s youth program in Spain, an elite environment known for producing several top-level international talents. Competing against high-level European prospects helped him sharpen his skills and gain experience against stiff competition.

Scouts noted early on that while he was still honing his coordination and strength, his physical attributes — especially his height and mobility — would make him an intriguing talent for professional teams in the coming years. 

Overtime Elite in the U.S.

In 2021, Sarr made a pivotal move in his basketball development by joining Overtime Elite (OTE) in the United States — a professional basketball league designed to accelerate the development of top prospects outside traditional college paths. He played for two seasons:

• 2021–2022: Team Overtime

• 2022–2023: YNG Dreamerz

During his time with OTE, Sarr refined his athleticism and versatility, showcasing an ability to score, defend, and make plays that NHL scouts and analysts likened to future NBA potential. 

3. Professional Pre-NBA Experience: NBL with the Perth Wildcats

Instead of taking the traditional college route, Sarr chose a growing trend among elite prospects: playing professionally abroad before entering the NBA Draft.

In 2023–2024, Sarr competed for the Perth Wildcats in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) as part of the Next Stars program — a program designed to prepare top prospects for the NBA by offering pro-level competition and exposure.

While with Perth, he produced solid numbers and demonstrated marked improvement in areas like rim protection, scoring efficiency, and on-court decision-making. Across 24 appearances, Sarr averaged approximately 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, drawing praise for his defensive instincts and athletic versatility. 

4. Draft Pick: NBA 2024

Declared for the NBA Draft

In April 2024, Alex Sarr officially declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing traditional college basketball and cementing his status as a high-profile prospect. His combination of size, skill, and defensive versatility immediately attracted buzz — many analysts projected him as a potential top pick candidate leading into the draft. 

Draft Night and Selection

On June 26, 2024, Sarr’s NBA dream became reality when the Washington Wizards selected him 2nd overall in the 1st round of the 2024 NBA Draft. This marked a historic moment in his young career — Sarr entered the league with significant expectations and excitement surrounding his potential impact in the NBA. 

5. Family Influence: Brother Olivier Sarr

One of the key figures in Alex’s life and basketball journey is his older brother, Olivier Sarr — himself a professional basketball player.

Who is Olivier Sarr?

Born in 1999 in Niort, France, Olivier also played college basketball in the United States, competing for Wake Forest before transferring to Kentucky. Though he went undrafted in 2021, Olivier persevered and signed multiple two-way contracts in the NBA, spending time with teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, and Oklahoma City Thunder before joining the Raptors’ G League affiliate. 

Olivier’s journey was not without adversity. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the 2024 G League Finals — a serious injury that tested his resilience and determination. Yet, he continues to pursue his career, inspiring Alex along the way. 

Brotherly Bond and Influence

The emotional connection between the Sarr brothers was heavily on display during the 2024 NBA Draft. Alex became visibly emotional while discussing Olivier’s influence — crediting his brother with guiding him through difficult moments and sharing insights about professional basketball. This bond highlights the importance of family support in Alex’s rise to NBA prominence. 

6. Physical Attributes: Height, Wingspan, and Athleticism

One of the reasons Alex Sarr stood out as a top draft pick was his elite physical profile:

• Height: 7 feet 0–1 inch (approx. 7’0″–7’1″) 

• Weight: Around 205–224 lbs depending on source and reporting standard.

• Wingspan: Around 7’4″ to 7’4.5″, giving him exceptional reach on both ends of the floor.

This combination of height, length, and mobility makes Sarr a defensive force capable of protecting the rim, switching onto smaller players, and influencing shots around the basket. His frame also allows him to be effective in pick-and-roll scenarios, a valuable skill set in today’s NBA. 

7. NBA Career So Far

Rookie Season Highlights

In his rookie campaign with the Washington Wizards, Sarr displayed flashes of promise. He averaged around 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, demonstrating that he could contribute in multiple facets of the game. His ability to defend and make plays above the rim impressed coaches and fans alike. 

One standout performance came in a game against the Utah Jazz, where he posted 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks — showcasing his offensive versatility and defensive instincts in a closely contested matchup. 

Accolades and Recognition

Sarr’s rookie season achievements included being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, marking him among the league’s most impactful newcomers. This recognition was especially meaningful for a franchise like the Wizards, who haven’t had a First Team Rookie honoree since the early 2010s.

8. Injury Update: EuroBasket 2025

International Play for France

In addition to his NBA duties, Sarr represents France on the international stage. He has competed for France in various youth competitions, helping the nation earn medals at both the FIBA U17 and U19 World Cups. 

EuroBasket Injury

During EuroBasket 2025, Sarr suffered a calf injury while playing against Slovenia. This injury was serious enough to sideline him for the remainder of the tournament. While disappointing, reports indicated that the injury did not require surgery, and the Wizards expressed optimism about his recovery timeline for the upcoming NBA season. 

9. What’s Next for Alex Sarr?

Looking ahead, the future remains bright for Alex Sarr. With continued development — especially in strength, offensive aggressiveness, and perimeter shooting — he could become one of the NBA’s premier two-way big men.

At just 20 years old, Sarr’s career is still in its early stages. If his trajectory continues upward, and with the right coaching and experience, he has the potential to be a cornerstone for the Wizards and a future All-Star in the league.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How tall is Alex Sarr?
Alex Sarr is listed between 7 feet 0 inches and 7 feet 1 inch tall, with an impressive wingspan of about 7’4″. 

2. Was Alex Sarr drafted into the NBA?
Yes — he was selected 2nd overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

3. Does Alex Sarr have any brothers in basketball?
Yes, his older brother Olivier Sarr is also a professional basketball player who has played in the NBA G League and signed two-way contracts. 

4. What injury did Alex Sarr suffer?
Sarr suffered a calf injury during EuroBasket 2025, which ended his tournament early but did not require surgery. 

5. What are Alex Sarr’s strengths as a player?
His strengths include rim protection, defensive versatility, mobility, and an expanding offensive skill set that includes scoring near the basket and playmaking.