2025 NBA Draft: International Prospects Who Could Become Stars

By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:09

The 2025 NBA Draft showcased a remarkable influx of international talent, underscoring the global growth of basketball and the increasing impact of players from outside the United States. With 23 international players selected from 15 countries the second-most ever in a single draft teams have tapped into a deep pool of prospects who could become future stars in the league.

French Talent Leads the International Wave

France continued its tradition as a basketball powerhouse, producing a record six draftees in 2025. Notable among them are Nolan Traore, Joan Beringer, and Noa Essengue, all first-round picks who bring a blend of size, skill, and versatility. Traore, a 6-foot-4 guard known for his playmaking and scoring, led the FIBA U-18 EuroBasket in assists (9.3 per game) and impressed at the Basketball Without Borders Global camp. Beringer, a 7-foot center, and Essengue, a 6-foot-10 power forward playing in Germany’s Bundesliga, both bring defensive prowess and rebounding ability that NBA teams covet.

Joan Beringer, drafted 12th overall by the Chicago Bulls, made his debut with the French Senior National Team at the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket Qualifiers, signaling his readiness to compete at high levels. Essengue’s experience in the German league and his participation in international camps have NBA scouts excited about his potential impact.

Standouts from Other Regions

The draft also featured top prospects from other basketball hotbeds. Lithuania’s Kasparas Jakučionis, selected 20th overall by the Miami Heat, combines European fundamentals with strong college experience at the University of Illinois. Jakučionis was a Wooden Award Late Season Top 20 Watch List member and earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors, showcasing his scoring and defensive versatility.

Australia made a significant mark with three players drafted, the most since 1997. Among them, Tyrese Proctor stands out for his poise and shooting ability, fitting well in NBA systems that value floor spacing and guard versatility.

From Africa, Khaman Maluach, originally from South Sudan and a Duke University standout, was selected 10th overall. Maluach is the highest-drafted former NBA Academy Africa and Basketball Africa League (BAL) player ever. Despite still developing his game, his athleticism and defensive potential have NBA executives intrigued. Maluach himself reflected on his journey: “If you told me three years ago, I didn’t think I would be sitting here, but I knew one day I would be.”

Rising Stars from Emerging Markets

China’s Yang Hansen, drafted 16th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies (with rights traded to Portland), is another intriguing prospect. Hansen, a two-time CBA Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 15 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game last season. His blend of size and defensive instincts could translate well to the NBA’s evolving style.

Canada’s Will Riley, selected 21st overall, continues the country’s streak of producing first-round talent. The 2024-25 Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year at Illinois, Riley brings scoring, rebounding, and playmaking skills. His background, growing up in the same hometown as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray and being coached by Murray’s father, adds to his pedigree.

What This Means for the NBA

The 2025 draft class reaffirms the NBA’s global reach, with roughly one-third of the picks coming from outside the U.S., consistent with the league’s current international player representation of about 30%. NBA executives and coaches emphasize the importance of international prospects adapting quickly to the league’s pace and physicality.

Stanford center Maxime Raynaud, a first-round French prospect, noted, “The guys who came before us created a path, made life easier for us. The best way to pay respect is to come in with the hungriest mentality and best work ethic.”

The 2025 NBA Draft’s international contingent is deep and diverse, featuring players with the skill sets, experience, and intangibles to develop into stars. From France’s record six draftees to rising talents from Africa, Australia, China, and Canada, these prospects represent the next wave of global basketball excellence. As teams integrate these players, the NBA’s international flavor will only continue to enrich the game’s competitive and cultural landscape.