Global Game, Global Draft: 2025 NBA Draft Set to Showcase Abundance of International Talent

As the NBA continues its global expansion, the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft is poised to reflect this worldwide reach with an impressive influx of international talent. With approximately 30% of the league's players already hailing from outside the United States this past season, the draft class arriving this week is a testament to basketball's burgeoning popularity across continents.

While the spotlight this year won't feature a French phenom claiming the No. 1 overall pick—a title held by Victor Wembanyama in 2023 and Zaccharie Risacher in 2024—the international flavor will be undeniable. Duke's Cooper Flagg is widely expected to be the top selection this time around, but the remaining 58 picks (out of 59 total) are anticipated to feature a significant global presence.

It's entirely within the realm of possibility that roughly one-third of the draftees called on Wednesday and Thursday will originate from, or currently reside outside, the U.S. This diverse group is expected to represent nations spanning the globe, including the Bahamas, South Sudan, Russia, Canada, China, Australia, Lithuania, Spain, Israel, France, and many more.

Some of these future NBA stars have honed their skills within the U.S. collegiate system, while others are set to make their professional debut on American soil—or potentially in Canada, should the Toronto Raptors make a selection. Stanford center Maxime Raynaud, a highly touted first-round prospect from France, articulated the sentiment among these international hopefuls: “The guys who came before us, these are guys that kind of created a path, like prepared the NBA to welcome Europeans and to make life easier for us,” Raynaud stated. “And I think the best way to pay respect to that is just coming in with the hungriest mentality and the best work ethic possible.”

This estimated one-third international representation might seem substantial, but it aligns perfectly with the current demographic makeup of the NBA. The consistent presence of nearly 30% foreign-born players in the league underscores the global nature of the game.

Several international prospects have already garnered significant attention through their collegiate careers in the U.S. Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, a talent from the Bahamas, is projected as an almost certain top-five pick. Duke center Khaman Maluach, originally from South Sudan, continues to impress with his raw talent and rapid development, positioning himself as a strong top-10 candidate despite still learning the intricacies of the game. “If you told me three years ago, I didn’t think I would be sitting here,” Maluach reflected, "but I knew one day I would be sitting here.”

As the draft nights approach, here are a few intriguing international storylines to keep a close watch on:

• Noa Essengue (France): A 6-foot-10 power forward currently playing for German club Ratiopharm Ulm, Essengue is widely anticipated to be drafted, with many projections placing him in the lottery. His immediate availability for the draft could hinge on his team's league championship series, which potentially concludes just before the draft.

  
  

• Joan Beringer (France): Standing at 6-foot-11 with an impressive 7-foot-4 wingspan, Beringer, who played professionally in Slovenia, offers a captivating blend of size, agile footwork, and a high-level understanding of defensive play. He is expected to be selected around the middle of the first round.

  
  

• Hugo González (Spain): Having debuted with Real Madrid in 2023, the 6-foot-6 wing has long been touted as a future leader of Spain's national team—an exceptionally high praise given Spain's basketball pedigree.

  
  

• Nolan Traoré (France): A very intriguing 6-foot-3 point guard, despite his slender frame, this teenager is projected as a first-rounder. His ultimate landing spot remains a mystery, but it wouldn't be surprising if he joins at least two other Frenchmen in the first 20 picks.

  
  

• Hansen Yang (China): The inevitable comparisons to Yao Ming will accompany Yang into the NBA. However, his strong performance at last month’s draft combine has many scouts listing the 7-foot-1 Chinese center, who may still be growing, as a serious first-round prospect. Yang is noted for his excellent footwork and passing ability, recognizing that he still has significant room for improvement.

  
  

The 2025 NBA Draft promises to be a global showcase, reinforcing the league's commitment to the ever-expanding talent pool of international basketball. Fans and teams alike will be eagerly watching to see which international stars embark on their NBA journeys this week.