SNAPSHOT

A forward with a strong foundation as a player to become a do-it-all operator, Frenchman Noah Penda already has plenty of value as a prospect at the 2025 NBA Draft in Chicago in June, and will tempt scouts with his impressive feel for the game.

With a strong IQ, selfless style of play and willingness to do anything for the team, Penda has offset a less-than-desirable jumpshot with plenty of other positives in his game that should translate to the top level in the coming years.

DRAFT PROFILE

Born in Paris, Penda was a multi-sport athlete as a junior, before settling on basketball and forging a junior career domestically. He made waves when he was one of the best performers in the Levallois U15 team, averaging 19.5 points in 11 games with the team throughout the 2024/25 season.

He joined Centre Fédéral de Basket-ball, which is a development team for France's National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance, having been highly rated as a junior and averaged double-digits with the team in his final season.

Penda played his most recent season with Le Mans Sarthe Basket, who are in France's top competition, LNB Elite. He was named the competition's Best Young Player, and was named MVP of the LNB Elite's Young Star Game in a tremendous campaign.

Throughout the 2024/25 season, Penda averaged 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, shooting 44.3 per cent from the field, 31.3 per cent from behind the arc and 69.2 per cent from the free throw line.

STRENGTHS

+ Adaptable game
+ Passing
+ Defence
+ High motor

IMPROVEMENTS

- Shooting
- Athleticism

Penda's game is extremely attractive for NBA scouts, particularly for teams that already have several key pieces on their roster. He can simply impact winning with his ability to do the little things to help his team succeed, which should boost his chances of going in the first round.

For a forward, he has impressive playmaking skills, and can often connect an offensive possession with his vision and execution. NBA sides should feel comfortable running some offence through him, and the Frenchman has shown the ability to make life easier for his teammates.

He is an impressive performer on the defensive end too, using his size and speed to stay in front of defenders and contest inside as well. It is another area of his game where his IQ comes into play, making the right rotations and helping his teammates at the right time.

One area of his game that could do with some work is his shooting, as demonstrated by his percentages above from his most recent season. If he can eventually space the floor and become a perimeter threat, it will make him much more dangerous on the offensive end.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Late first round/early second round

Penda has a well-balanced skillset and does all the things that help an NBA side win at a consistent level, so scouts are certainly going to be interested. If he can develop his offensive game, he could work towards being a strong contributor throughout his career.