Noa Essengue continues to make waves in Europe, even though he’s not part of the NCAA spotlight. At just 18, the 6-foot-10 forward is proving he belongs in NBA conversations. His team, Ratiopharm Ulm, recently swept Alba Berlin in the German league playoffs. Essengue has been a defensive force and a highlight in transition. “Essengue’s youth, tools, two-way instincts and rapid rate of improvement suggest a high ceiling,” wrote Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Givony also noted that teams might not get to see him in workouts, since his season could run until the day after the 2025 NBA Draft. That hasn’t stopped Noa Essengue’s rise in the latest mock drafts.
Noa Essengue’s Draft Stock Continues to Rise Despite Absence
The Uncommon Path
Most international prospects come from leagues like France, Spain, or Australia. Germany’s Bundesliga doesn’t often produce top NBA talent. But Ratiopharm Ulm is starting to change that. The club has sent three players to the NBA in recent years—Killian Hayes, Juan Nunez, and Pacome Dadiet.
Now, Essengue looks like the next in line.
Bleacher Report lists him as a projected top-10 pick. ESPN places him in the same range. With each game, the Noa Essengue rise draft conversation becomes more real.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Essengue’s stats in the German league are solid for a teenager. Through 52 games, he’s averaging 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 51.6% shooting. He’s scored 20 or more points six times this season, including a standout 21-point performance on May 17.
He’s not just productive. Noa’s doing it while still learning the game. Despite a slender frame and raw offensive game, he keeps finding ways to win.
“I’m playing tougher every game,” Essengue said. “I want to match the intensity and physicality of my opponents.”
Defensive Mindset, Offensive Growth
Essengue describes defense as his biggest strength. “I can guard positions 1 to 5,” he said. His footwork and long wingspan help him defend guards, wings, and bigs.
That versatility is key in today’s NBA. On offense, he’s improving too. He shines in transition, finishing fast breaks with dunks or smooth layups. His face-up game shows promise, especially if he develops a perimeter jumper.
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports commented on Essengue’s shooting. “He’s gone from a hackable nonshooter to making 24.4% of his 3s and 70.1% of his free throws,” O’Connor wrote. “His form looks smooth, and he has good touch.”
Big Impact, Young Age
Born on December 18, 2006, Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft pool. He made his French senior national team debut at 17 and is already excelling in the EuroCup and Bundesliga playoffs.
If he’d been born two weeks later, he wouldn’t be draft-eligible until 2026. But now, thanks to his age and performance, Noa Essengue’s rise in the draft puts him firmly in lottery conversations.
Ulm: A Perfect Fit
Essengue credits his growth to the environment in Ulm. “Coming to Ulm was the best decision I could have made,” he said. “The coaches and staff push me every day. There’s no pressure—just growth.”
This structure has helped him improve his game quickly. He’s gone from a developmental project to a real two-way contributor.
Essengue switches on defense, guards multiple positions, and clogs passing lanes. He rotates with purpose and uses his long arms to disrupt offenses. He’s always moving and making winning plays.
What’s Next
Essengue’s team could be playing into late June. That might keep him from visiting NBA teams before the draft. Still, scouts have taken notice.
As some NCAA players returned to school, Essengue moved up draft boards. He climbed from 14th to 9th, and that could keep rising depending on how he performs during the rest of the Bundesliga playoffs.
Credit: Adidas NextGen EuroLeague
