SNAPSHOT
A versatile forward who can impact the game in a variety of ways and will be adaptable to several lineups, Noa Essengue holds plenty of value in the frontcourt ahead of his likely first round selection at the 2025 NBA Draft in Chicago.
Although he has some improvement ahead in terms of his shooting, his defensive tools, tight handle and strong inside finishing ability provide a strong blueprint for the future, and will be enough to encourage teams to take him on the first night.
DRAFT PROFILE
The Frenchman played his junior basketball in his home country, before making his professional debut in the NM1 competition, a third-tier league in France. It was there that he began to gain international attention due to the strong physical traits he possessed as a youngster.
Essengue then moved to Germany to play with Ratiopharm Ulm in the Basketball Bundesliga, spending most of his tenure there with the developmental team, where he was able to hone his craft against players around the same level of development.
He also has experience representing France at international level, named to both the 2024 U18 FIBA Eurobasket Team as well as the senior Eurobasket Qualifier Team, showing that he will play a key role for the country in the years to come.
For the Ulm in the 2024/25 season, he averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks per game on 56 per cent shooting from the field, 29.4 per cent shooting from behind the arc and 73 per cent shooting from the free throw line.
STRENGTHS
+ Inside scoring
+ Impressive athleticism
+ Defensive versatility
+ Passing for his position
IMPROVEMENTS
- Shooting
- Strength
As a scorer, Essengue does his best work when driving inside and finishing at the cup, and he can often create his own inside scoring himself. He uses spin moves and impressive footwork to create space on his way to the basket and has impressive touch around the rim.
He is certainly a smooth mover, resembling a fully developed NBA player with his movements and impressive athletic ability. He has a strong wingspan that allows him to catch lobs and get as close to the basket as possible when looking to score.
At six-foot-nine, Essengue has the height and speed to guard all five positions, making him an extremely versatile defender. In an age where the craftiest guards are continuing to hunt mismatches, the big man's ability to switch on defence will prove invaluable at the top level.
The biggest concern around his game is his jump shooting, and it is one of the most defining factors in his career trajectory. If he can become a reliable shooter from range and space the floor in the coming years, he will be a tremendously balanced prospect.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Top 20
Essengue certainly has all the tools to forge a long career at the top level with his finishing, defending and passing abilities all above average. If he can become a more reliable shooter, then Essengue could be a winning piece for a team at the top level.
