France has been a sleeper volleyball program for the last decade, making the semi-finals of the world championship in 2014, placing first in the European Championship in 2015, earning two golds in the world league in 2015 and 2017, two more golds in the Nations League in 2022 and 2024, and barely edging out Russia in 2020 for the Olympic gold. They are currently ranked 4th in the world and are arguably one piece away from building a perennial favorite and national dynasty.

 

Alex Sarr, highly touted French athlete and arguable basketball player, could be that missing piece. He started his NBA career this summer in Vegas, and after an exhilarating 9 buckets in 4 games, he’s garnered quite a bit of attention from basketball fans. But is his raw talent best served as a basketball player? Or is Alex blowing his GOAT potential to be one of the most dynamic and impactful opposite hitters of all time?

 

Sarr measured in at 7’0 with a 9’2” standing reach at the NBA combine. His standing vertical was 30.5” and his max vertical recorded at 37”. For those who don’t follow volleyball, this translates well because he’s really tall and he can really jump high. He’s also an incredible athlete, and a natural volleyball talent, as seen here and here.

 

So the question for France quickly becomes, where exactly do you need Sarr’s services? Although Sarr was not selected for the 2024 basketball team (sources say he declined try outs with team France), he needs to pick a direction sooner than later. So while you could argue that being tall and athletic would make for a dynamic basketball player, team France already has immense talent on the roster. And it’s worth noting their future is secure as well, with the dynamic #1 NBA draft pick set to join the future teams. The case for switching to volleyball becomes clear when you consider all factors:

  • Sarr’s exceptional physical traits are unprecedented for Team France and the broader volleyball world – he would immediately become an outlier specimen in their lineup
  • Everyone gets to take breaks in-between volleyball points – it will be a natural fit for the big man to enjoy some down time between serves
  • While Gobert is getting old, his shot making should give him the edge over Sarr for some time
  • Batum averaged 5.3 ppg last year, just under Sarr’s summer league 5.5 ppg …but he did it again NBA competition, so it will be tough to break into any front-court role
  • France could use Sarr on the perimeter, as he’s showcased his perimeter skills this summer, but how does he beat out Killian Hayes, Fournier, Ntilikina, or number one NBA selection Zaccharie Risacher? Tough.

 

What do you guys think? Is it too late for a career change? Should Sarr do what’s best for his country?