With the shocking news of Luka Doncic being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, it brings to mind his career in totality. Specifically, he was a highly touted prospect overseas during the 2018 NBA Draft cycle. His rise to stardom has brought even more attention to international prospects. This year, many high-level prospects projected to go in the first round currently play internationally. In light of recent events, let’s dive into the top international prospects to watch for in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft class.
2025 NBA Draft: Top International Prospects to Watch for
Nolan Traore
Originally projected to be a top-five prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, Nolan Traore has fallen down draft boards. Regardless, Traore still has great potential to be an excellent player in the league. The French guard has an impressive handle on the ball and great passing vision out on the court. He possesses an excellent first step that he uses to burst past opponents. Also, while his offensive game still needs work, Traore has shown improvement over the course of his season. The Saint-Quentin guard needs to work on his jump shot, finishing at the rim, and his defense. Those areas specifically will determine whether or not he sticks around in the NBA and reach his potential. Nevertheless, Traore’s upside will be an interesting draw for NBA teams.
Ben Saraf
The next player on this list is Ben Saraf, the 6-foot-5 guard playing for Ratiopharm Ulm. Saraf has impressed scouts with his crafty handle, play-making, and ability to put up points. He has been effective at getting to the rim and finishing at the basketball. Furthermore, Saraf can create his own shot in the mid-range and knock them down. Saraf can easily get his own bucket, but he can also play make for others. Specifically, he has great court vision and a feel for delivering passes to teammates. Saraf is an immense talent offensively, however, he does need to improve his three-point shooting. It will be the key to whether he takes his game to the next level on the offensive end. Also, Saraf isn’t the best defender and will need to improve in that regard. Given his offensive upside, Saraf is someone to watch among international prospects.
Noa Essengue
Noa Essengue, a 6-foot-10 forward playing for Ratiopharm Ulm, is one of the highest-upside players in the draft. As one of the youngest prospects at 17 years old, Essengue has a lot of room for growth and plenty of upside. He possesses amazing physical tools and athleticism, which allows him to make incredible highlight plays. Essengue has the speed and mobility to be a real threat in transition and as a lob threat. As for the other parts of his offensive game, Essengue has shown potential as a shooter which can raise his ceiling even further. Defensively, his physical tools and athleticism make him an opposing defender at the rim and on the perimeter. There is a lot to love about Essengue, however, the biggest drawback for him is that he is an extremely raw prospect who will need development. Regardless, Essengue’s potential makes him one of the top international prospects in the class.
Noah Penda
Up next on this list is Noah Penda, the 6-foot-6 forward playing for Le Mans Sarthe. The French forward’s draft stock is mainly based on his incredible defensive impact. Penda is an extremely versatile defensive wing who can guard multiple positions. Not only that, but he can be a switchable defender. He knows how to effectively use his length to bother opposing ball-handlers or passing lanes. Furthermore, he can serve as a weakside shot-blocker. Penda is extremely good at defensive playmaking. Also, Penda’s relentless energy and high basketball IQ, make him even better defensively. Offensively, Penda has shown flashes as a passer and shooter. However, he still needs to develop his offensive game further. Nevertheless, Penda’s defense is good enough for him to be one of the top international prospects.
Hugo Gonzalez
Last on this list is the 6-foot-7 forward Hugo Gonzalez. Playing for Real Madrid, the same team Doncic once played for, Gonzalez is known by scouts for his defensive versatility, athleticism, and ability to handle the ball. He has the physical tools to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and switch on defense. Gonzalez has a high basketball IQ and utilizes it on both ends of the court. The same can be said for his athleticism as he can be a threat in transitions and defend a multitude of different players. Offensively, Gonzalez has shown flashes of being a ball-handler and as a shooter. However, the shooting still needs more development. If Gonzalez can improve his shooting, he can be an excellent 3-and-D wing in the future. His abilities and upside push him as one of the best prospects internationally.
Image credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
