2025 NBA Draft: International Players to Watch
limited minutes, scattered tapes, and statistics that don’t always tell the whole story, teams need to trust their gut as much as their spreadsheets.
Still, there’s a real buzz overseas as teams look abroad for upside and depth. As these prospects draw genuine interest, there’s much to monitor this summer.
Nolan Traore: All Gas, No Brakes (Yet)
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Traore drew early attention as a potential top-10 pick but struggled to find steady form across the season. He gets his touches and even plays over 20 minutes a game with high usage, but his shot selection and efficiency haven’t quickly clicked. That said, when he’s rolling, his scoring instincts pop.
Noa Essengue’s Foundation of Efficiency
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At 6-foot-9 with a solid frame, Essengue thrives in controlled bursts. He finishes well, posts a shooting percentage near 65%, and doesn’t force much. His range and rim protection need seasoning, but there’s a sturdy foundation here. A few more tools, and he could become more than just a safe pick.
Joan Beringer’s Analytics Over Box Score
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Beringer may not wow you with his box score, but check out the advanced stats, and he’s got your attention. An offensive rating nearing 125 and flashes of defensive feel suggest there’s more to his game than meets the eye. The only catch is that he doesn’t stretch the floor, and his role has been limited. However, expanding his offensive responsibilities will be critical in workouts leading up to the draft.
Ben Saraf’s High-Usage Spark Plug Potential
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Saraf has leaned into a lead role by scoring 12.3 points and 4.3 assists per game. He’s clearly confident with the ball in his hands, but efficiency…let’s just say—it’s still a work in progress. Scouts are eager to find out if his shooting can keep pace without dropping in percentages.
Hugo Gonzalez’s Disappearing Act
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Gonzalez entered the season with top-prospect credentials but barely cracked the rotation on a stacked roster for a top European club. Averaging only 10 minutes and 3.1 points per game, his pre-professional résumé does most of the talking. His draft hopes now hinge almost entirely on pre-draft workouts.
Noah Penda’s Defense-First Résumé
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Penda brings NBA size and a defender’s mindset. He’s 6-foot-8 with over two combined steals and blocks per game. He’s also shown he can guard multiple spots. Offensively, he’s yet to find his rhythm. Right now, he’s more of a specialist.
Alex Toohey’s Consistent Production
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After an extra development year in Australia, Toohey brings maturity and steadiness. His averages—11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals—plus solid shooting splits paint the picture of a high-floor role player. You probably won’t build your team around him, but you won’t worry when he’s on the floor either.
Bogoljub Markovic’s Sharpshooting Size
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Markovic has the size of a traditional big and the shooting touch to flip a game—he’s knocking down over 41% from three. Add in 14 points and seven boards per game, and it’s clear why teams are intrigued. He held his own at the Nike Hoops Summit, too, showing he can hang with elite talent. That shooting alone could land him in the first round.
Rocco Zikarsky’s Upside Through Uncertainty
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The massive 7-foot-3 frame makes Zikarsky a rim protector by default. And although there’s raw talent, it hasn’t really translated yet. A season-ending knee injury has further complicated his path, and franchises face a gamble: draft now or stash for later. If a team is willing to be patient, it could pay off big. But he’s not for the faint of heart.
Izan Almansa’s Reputation Rebuild
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Almansa’s fall from top-prospect status has been steady since his G League stint, but he’s finding steadier footing in Australia while still ironing out the wrinkles in his offensive game. Workouts could be shot at redemption.
Ben Henshall’s Production Despite Poor Shooting
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Henshall cracked the starting lineup in the NBL, which is no small feat. His shooting, though, under 40% from the field, has been spotty. That said, he’s got the size and a good stroke at the free-throw line. All eyes are on whether improved spacing and shot selection sharpen his scoring touch.
Michael Ruzic’s Setback Season
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A thumb injury and a limited role derailed Ruzic’s season. He averaged just 13 minutes and 1.5 rebounds per game, far from his previous year’s promise. His 50 percent field goal mark helps slightly, but a return to health and a strong pre-draft process will be key to reviving interest.
Mohamed Diawara’s Stash Potential
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Diawara might not be a headline name, but don’t be surprised if he shows up late in the second round as a draft-and-stash pick. He’s got the tools and flashes of defensive upside that teams look for when stashing talent overseas.
Bassala Bagayoko’s Long-Term Bet
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At just 18, Bagayoko offers upside at the forward spot. He hasn’t played major minutes yet, but his physical profile and early showings in youth competitions keep him on the radar. He’s the kind of prospect a team might draft just to hold his rights and watch him develop.
Neoklis Avdalos and Others On The Fringe
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Guys like Avdalos, Hansen Yang, Ousmane N’Diaye, and Eli N’Diaye may not hear their names on draft night, but don’t count them out. They’ve earned a spot in the scouting notebooks for their size, skill flashes, or just for being a good fit overseas. If nothing else, they’ll be names to revisit down the line.