Noa Essengue Aims for NBA Spot After Year in Germany

Ulm, Germany — French forward Noa Essengue aims to make a name for himself as he enters the 2025 NBA Draft after a year with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. The 18-year-old has demonstrated potential, averaging 10.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season in the Bundesliga and EuroCup.

Essengue stands at 6-foot-9 and has shown versatility as a forward. During his time in Germany, he played 50 games, shooting 51.7% from the field and contributing significantly with his off-ball movement and offensive rebounding. “Essengue’s ability to score through his quick cuts and offensive rebounds makes him a valuable player on the court,” a team scout said.

Despite shooting just 26.4% from the three-point line, Essengue excels at getting to the free throw line, converting 71.6% of his attempts. His impressive skill set earned him attention, with analysts predicting he could be a mid-first-round pick in the upcoming draft.

However, scouts have raised concerns over Essengue’s lack of polish in his offensive game. “While he has great height and athletic ability, he still needs to develop a consistent jumper and improve his decision-making on drives,” one analyst explained.

Defensively, Essengue shows promise with his length, making him capable of contesting shots at the rim and securing rebounds. He averaged over one steal per game, which speaks to his potential as a two-way player. “His defensive instincts are impressive for such a young player,” a coach noted.

As the NBA Combine approaches, Essengue aims to improve his shooting and showcase his skill set to potential teams. With mock drafts featuring him in the mid-first round, expectations are high for his development if he is selected. “He’s able to turn heads with his performance in transition, and if he can polish his jump shot, he can become a valuable asset for any team,” remarked a sports analyst.

The upcoming months will be crucial for Essengue as he navigates the path to possibly becoming the second-youngest player drafted this year. The league will monitor his progress closely as he seeks to carve out a role at professional basketball’s highest level.