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Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif
In a few weeks, Noa Essengue’s life will change for good. After a fine season in Germany, he could well be selected in the top 10 of the next draft. In fact, he’s clearly been flirting with a few franchises ahead of the big night.
At the start of the season, Nolan Traoré was the main focus of scouts’ attention among young French players. He was coming off an impressive playoff campaign with Saint-Quentin, and had also had the chance to train with the French team in preparation for the Paris Games. The point guard was destined to explode as a result.
Unfortunately, the man touted as Tony Parker’s potential successor failed to live up to expectations, to the point of being overtaken in many draft predictions by Noa Essengue. The 18-year-old winger is having the time of his life in Germany, and has never looked stronger than during the playoffs. Just a few weeks away from the night that will change his life, he’s showing NBA franchises his best side.
Noa Essengue talks about his expectations at the draft
Career-high 22 points and 14 rebounds for Noa Essengue exploded in Game 1 of the German playoff semis. The 18-year-old showcased his skill level, fluidity, defensive versatility, and feel for the game, knocking down a pair of 3s and bringing impressive intensity on both ends. pic.twitter.com/JLMjHZGsF0
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 3, 2025
In Game 1 of the German championship semi-finals, Noa Essengue shone with 22 points and 14 rebounds, showing observers that he can do damage on both sides of the court. He continues to climb in the predictions, to the point where his name is now in the top 10 of some specialists. During an introductory press conference, he revealed his ambitions ahead of the draft:
I train every day for this moment, to be the best player I can be, so I don’t feel any pressure in relation to the draft predictions. The NBA is a bit different from the game I know. There’s more space on the court, different rules, but it’s not that big a change. I’d like to land on an NBA team that’s aiming for victory, and at the same time, I hope to get minutes on the court.
It’s always flattering to be compared to Nicolas Batum. He’s a great player with a great career, and really strong on both sides of the court. But I want to be recognized for my own name. When you’re young, you also look at guys like Paul George, LeBron. They’re really tough players to play against, because they can do anything on the court.
