The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be an intriguing event, especially for fans of international basketball. This year’s international pool features only 15 eligible prospects, one of the smallest groups in recent history. Factors such as the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) incentives and extended NCAA eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic have limited the number of players entering the draft from overseas. Despite the smaller pool, the talent level remains noteworthy, with several players showcasing significant upside. This article highlights the top international prospects to watch as the draft approaches.
Noa Essengue (Germany/France, F, 6-9, 210 lbs)
– Best rank: 8 / Worst rank: 21
– Agent: LIFT
– 2024–25 stats: 10.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 0.6 bpg, 0.9 spg, 51.0% FG, 22.5% 3P in 40 games
Noa Essengue has scouts buzzing with excitement due to his length, athleticism, and ball-handling potential. He has drawn comparisons to a leaner Josh Smith, thanks to his high motor and flashes of versatility. While his shooting still needs development, Essengue’s defensive upside and energy could make him an impactful forward in the NBA. Some scouts believe he has All-Star potential, while others see him as a reliable role player.
Joan Beringer (Slovenia/France, C, 6-11, 240 lbs)
– Best rank: 12 / Worst rank: 26
– Agent: Wasserman
– 2024–25 stats: 4.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.5 spg, 1.4 bpg, 61.0% FG, 0.0% 3P in 57 games
Opinions on Joan Beringer vary widely among scouts. Some admire his physical tools and rim protection, while others question his readiness for the NBA. Beringer is viewed as a classic high-upside stash candidate, possessing a nearly 7-5 wingspan that excites evaluators. If developed patiently, he could become a long-term rotation piece.
Nolan Traore (France, G, 6-4, 185 lbs)
– Best rank: 10 / Worst rank: 27
– Agent: Wasserman
– 2024–25 stats: 11.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 4.8 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.1 bpg, 40.2% FG, 29.2% 3P in 38 games
Nolan Traore has improved significantly over the season, shedding the early-season “overhyped” label. His playmaking and creativity have elevated his stock, and he has showcased innovative passing and court vision. While his shooting consistency remains a concern, Traore’s ability to orchestrate offense makes him a compelling late-first-round option.
Hugo Gonzalez (Spain, F, 6-7, 200 lbs)
– Best rank: 21 / Worst rank: NR
– Agent: ProMondo
– 2024–25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.2 spg, 0.3 bpg, 41.1% FG, 29.4% 3P in 59 games
Gonzalez has an NBA-ready frame and a solid feel for the game. However, scouts want to see him assert himself more consistently. His passive tendencies have held him back offensively, but if he can unlock his jumper and aggressiveness, he could become a plug-and-play rotation wing with two-way potential.
Noah Penda (France, F, 6-8, 220 lbs)
– Best rank: 22 / Worst rank: 35
– Agent: 360
– 2024–25 stats: 9.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.9 bpg, 43.4% FG, 31.8% 3P in 29 games
Flying under the radar, Noah Penda is gaining attention as a versatile two-way combo forward. Praised for his character and competitive nature, he is seen as a great developmental candidate. With further skill set improvement, he could become a valuable contributor in the NBA.
Ben Saraf (Germany/Israel, G, 6-5, 190 lbs)
– Best rank: 20 / Worst rank: 35
– Agent: CAA
– 2024–25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.3 bpg, 45.3% FG, 28.7% 3P in 44 games
Saraf is known for his creativity and poise in running an offense. Although his three-point shooting needs improvement, his polished feel and playmaking instincts give him upside as a reliable second-unit facilitator. His potential is higher as a larger lead guard rather than as an average-sized combo guard.
Bogoljub Markovic (Serbia, F/C, 6-11, 215 lbs)
– Best rank: 31 / Worst rank: NR
– Agent: Excel
– 2024–25 stats: 14.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.9 bpg, 55.1% FG, 41.0% 3P in 30 games
Markovic could be the hidden gem that teams are searching for. He possesses the ability to pass, dribble, and shoot, similar to Santi Aldama. Scouts admire his European professionalism and ability to fit into a team-first structure. With some added strength, he could play multiple positions in the NBA.
Hansen Yang (China, C, 7-1, 250 lbs)
– Best rank: 33 / Worst rank: NR
– Agent: Klutch
– 2024–25 stats: 16.2 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.9 spg, 2.8 bpg, 59.3% FG, 29.1% 3P in 52 games
Yang’s massive frame and shot-blocking ability make him an intriguing prospect. While his mobility and overall polish require significant work, teams willing to be patient could find a legitimate rim protector with floor-spacing potential.
Rocco Zikarsky (Australia, C, 7-3, 240 lbs)
– Best rank: 38 / Worst rank: NR
– Agent: ProMondo
– 2024–25 stats: 4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.3 spg, 0.7 bpg, 50.0% FG, 20.0% 3P in 20 games
Zikarsky’s agility at 7-3 and potential as a rim protector have caught the attention of scouts. While his statistics may not fully reflect his impact, he is seen as a high-upside swing for teams willing to develop him slowly.
Izan Almansa (Australia/Spain, F/C, 6-10, 230 lbs)
– Best rank: 53 / Worst rank: NR
– Agent: Gersh
– 2024–25 stats: 7.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.4 spg, 0.3 bpg, 52.0% FG, 30.4% 3P in 36 games
Almansa has an impressive international pedigree, having earned MVP honors at multiple FIBA youth championships. His rebounding instincts and soft touch around the basket stand out, but NBA executives are divided on his defensive mobility and rim protection.
Dink Pate (Mexico City Capitanes, G/F, 6-8, 210 lbs)
– Best rank: 45 / Worst rank: NR
– Agent: Roc Nation
– 2024–25 stats: 10.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.1 bpg, 41.0% FG, 26.0% 3P in 34 games
Pate’s blend of size, athleticism, and versatility has intrigued scouts. His professional experience in Mexico adds maturity, but questions remain about his shooting consistency and whether his tools will translate in the NBA.
Mohamed Diawara (France, F, 6-8, 215 lbs)
– Best rank: 45 / Worst rank: NR
– Agent: Roc Nation
– 2024–25 stats: 10.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.1 bpg, 41.0% FG, 26.0% 3P in 34 games
Diawara offers intriguing physical tools, showcasing flashes of high-level athleticism and defensive versatility. Although still raw offensively, his combination of length, quickness, and effort could earn him NBA minutes down the line.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, these international prospects are ones to watch. While the pool may be smaller this year, the talent within it has the potential to make a significant impact in the league. NBA fans can look forward to seeing how these young athletes develop as they transition to the professional level.