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Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif
Despite the minor controversy surrounding him before the draft, Noa Essengue was selected by the Bulls with the 12ᵉ pick of this 2025 crop. Before even setting foot in Chicago, he decided to contact a teammate to make a special request.
Noa Essengue put the pressure on himself before the draft. With his Ulm team in the German championship final and a key player in the rotation, he decided to leave his hometown to live out his dream in Brooklyn. In the United States, where the spirit of camaraderie is of particular importance, this choice is difficult to accept.
He will therefore have to give even more to the Bulls to convince fans of his immense talent. After all, it’s Michael Jordan’s franchise where he’ll be making his league debut. Not necessarily expected this high at the start of the season, his name has finally been called in the 12ᵉ position, which comes with certain expectations. The young interior will need to contribute fairly quickly to live up to them.
Noa Essengue doesn’t want to give up his No. 12
The good news is that Chicago isn’t exactly a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, and he should have the time and space to develop. One thing that could help him adapt is getting his lucky number back, especially as it now has real meaning. Speaking to Overtime France, he said he’d do anything to have the No.12 on his back.
“I’m in the NBA, in Chicago, what more could I ask for? I’ve started talking to the team, I asked if my n°12 was available, but he’s taken. I’m going to start talking to the player in question, I’m going to send him a few messages on Instagram. If 12 isn’t available, I’ll have to take 24. I could do a 1-on-1 for the 12, but if he doesn’t want it, what do I do? I’ll DM him tonight.”
Noa Essengue wore No. 12 at Ulm, and was selected by the Bulls with the 12ᵉ pick in the 2025 Draft, so he’d like to start his NBA career with that number on his jersey. Unfortunately for him, Zach Collins is the owner, and he won’t be easy to convince. Having just played his 8ᵉ season in the league, earning 18 million a year, he doesn’t need the rookie money.
Fortunately, the young Frenchman has a backup plan with the possibility of taking #24. The main thing, beyond the number that will be displayed on his jersey, is that he adapts and quickly shows promise on the floor. Bills fans are particularly demanding, and they’ll be sure to let him know if he doesn’t measure up.
