Hawks Players Begin Play in Eurobasket 2025

Zaccharie Risacher attacks the rim in France's 92-77 victory over Greece in an exhibition game on Aug. 25 (Image via Greek City Times)
By: Lucas Kochevar

Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porzingis and Vit Krejci are in action this week as the Eurobasket 2025 begins their group stage games on Wednesday, Aug 27. The three Hawks have been playing in their respective teams’ friendly exhibitions for the better part of a month, but the games will start counting when Krejci and Czechia take on Portugal at 7:45 a.m. EST on Wednesday Aug 27. Porzingis and Latvia play at 11 a.m. EST on Wednesday as well. Both players are the lone NBA players on their respective teams.

Risacher and France play the next day against Belgium at 11 a.m. on Thursday Aug. 28. Risacher is in a unique spot with France as he looks to establish himself as a core member for France moving forward. Risacher has been in a weird role with France over the course of their friendlies as he’s come off the bench for the team and has been a clear fixture on offense and defense. On Sunday in France’s 92-77 win, Risacher scored 14 points and five rebounds off the bench, but clearly flashed on both ends. 

Hawks fans will have to learn that starting lineups don’t matter as much as how many minutes each guy gets, but in international play it’s clear that Risacher is one of the best players for France. Despite being one of the best players for France, Risacher finds himself off the bench for most of his exhibition games. It’s odd, but still Risacher isn’t a finished product and he’s well aware of that. There’s an interesting part of his game that could be on display as a work-in-progress for Risacher.

“I want to be more comfortable with ball-handling,” Risacher said to a reporter before his exhibition game in Greece. “I feel like it’s another part of my game I can improve. Just be able to get to my spot and be efficient with the ball in my hands.”

Risacher will have chances to work on that as he plays with France. France will be playing without big men like Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, so Risacher will likely have to play big man minutes at power forward. Although it won’t be a traditional ball-handling position, when Risacher crashes the glass for rebounds, he’ll have chances to grab and go with the ball. In a way, he’ll be able to work on guard and big man skills at the same time, furthering his versatility for France and Atlanta when the season starts. 

It’ll be fun to watch Eurobasket 2025 with numerous NBA all-stars and some Hawks on display. Until the Hawks preseason games start in October, this will be a good place to scratch that basketball itch.