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Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif
In all likelihood, Noa Essengue will be the first Frenchman selected in the next draft, which is why we need to start taking an interest in him. In an excellent interview with L’Equipe, for example, he spoke of a passion that brings him closer to Victor Wembanyama.
Unlike the last two editions, when Victor Wembanyama, Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr stood out, no Frenchman is expected to leave in the top 3 of the next draft. That’s not to say that our young talents won’t be coveted, as they still have great potential. For example, Noa Essengue could make it into Adam Silver’s top 10.
Projected lottery pick Noa Essengue had his best game of the season in a win over Euroleague team Alba Berlin in the German BBL playoffs. 21 points (13-13 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals for the 6'11, 18-year old French power forward. pic.twitter.com/HA6syDHEaN
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 18, 2025
Noa Essengue talks about his tattoos and drawings
Because he could become a household name in the league, our L’Equipe colleagues decided to meet him at his home in Germany. Readers had the opportunity to get to know the young French international and find out more about his passions. For example, there’s something that brings him closer to Victor Wembanyama… and Nick Young!
As with sport, I started drawing to follow in the footsteps of my big brother, Matis, in a competitive spirit. As a kid, when you’re waiting to be served at a restaurant, they often bring you a pen so you can draw on the menu. Matis is very good, much better than I am. But I’ve always wanted to improve and try to beat him.
That tattoo I drew must have taken three or four hours of work on the move. With the tablet, it’s easy. The tattoos are always on the left arm. I don’t touch the right one, I keep it for basketball.
Like Victor Wembanyama, Noa Essengue discovered a passion for drawing at an early age, which allows him to clear his head on the sidelines of his career. Where the Spurs pivot usually draws small logos and characters, Essengue creates his own tattoos! He’s also following in the footsteps of Nick Young, who used to say: “No tattoos on the right arm, it’s just for shooting hoops”. And let’s hope he can shoot a lot of NBA hoops.
