The 2025 NBA Draft is expected to showcase a notable absence of high-profile French prospects, with no Victor Wembanyama or Zaccharie Risacher among this year’s top selections. Instead, Duke’s Cooper Flagg has established himself as the anticipated No. 1 pick in a class that still promises substantial international representation.
Analysts estimate that approximately one-third of the 59 draft picks could feature players from outside the United States, including talent from the Bahamas, South Sudan, Russia, Canada, China, Australia, Lithuania, Spain, Israel, France, and beyond. Some of these international players have made their mark in U.S. college basketball, while others will be making their debut in North America.
Stanford center Maxime Raynaud, a first-round prospect from France, noted the influence of previous international players who paved the way for current prospects. “The guys who came before us created a path… I think the best way to pay respect to that is just coming in with the hungriest mentality and the best work ethic possible,” he remarked.
The expected one-third representation aligns with the current trend in the NBA, where nearly 30% of players in the past season were born outside the U.S. Among the highly regarded international talents in this draft are Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe from the Bahamas and Duke’s Khaman Maluach, who hails from South Sudan. Maluach shared his journey, stating, “If you told me three years ago, I didn’t think I would be sitting here. But I knew one day I would be sitting here.”
Several international prospects are worth keeping an eye on during the draft. Noa Essengue, a 6-foot-10 power forward from France, plays for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany and is projected to be a lottery pick. His participation may depend on his team’s performance in a league championship series. Joan Beringer, also from France, stands at 6-foot-11 and is praised for his defensive skills and size. Hugo González, a 6-6 wing from Spain, debuted with Real Madrid in 2023 and is considered a future leader for Spain’s national team. Another noteworthy prospect is the 6-3 point guard Nolan Traoré from France, who is anticipated to be a first-round selection.
The draft will serve as a crucial platform for showcasing this diverse group of international players, reflecting the growing global reach of basketball. With fresh talent on the horizon, the NBA continues to embrace its status as a melting pot for athletes from various backgrounds.