NBA Draft 2025: Top International Prospects to Watch
NBA Draft 2025: Top International Prospects to Watch
By Edcel Panganiban June 24, 2025 09:51
The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with a strong international contingent poised to make a significant impact. As teams prepare for the draft on June 27, several top international prospects are drawing attention for their unique skill sets, physical tools, and potential to contribute immediately at the NBA level. Here’s a closer look at the best international players to watch in this year’s draft class.
Izan Almansa (Spain, 6-10, Forward)
Almansa has emerged as one of the most polished international prospects in the 2025 class. Playing for the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s NBL, the 20-year-old Spanish forward combines size, mobility, and a high basketball IQ. Known for his versatility, Almansa can stretch the floor with a developing three-point shot and defend multiple positions. His 230-pound frame and ability to handle the ball set him apart from typical big men. Scouts praise his maturity and team-first mentality, making him a likely first-round selection with upside as a modern NBA forward.
Hugo González (Spain, 6-6, Guard-Forward)
Another Spanish prospect, González plays for Real Madrid and has impressed with his scoring ability and defensive tenacity. At 19, he already shows a polished offensive game, including a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create off the dribble. His 205-pound frame allows him to guard multiple positions, and his experience in high-level European competition gives him a readiness edge. González is projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick and a potential two-way contributor.
Joan Beringer (France, 6-11, Center)
Beringer, a French center playing for Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia, boasts elite size and rim protection skills. At 6-foot-11 and 230 pounds, he is a traditional big man with a growing offensive repertoire that includes mid-range shooting and pick-and-roll efficiency. His defensive instincts and shot-blocking ability make him a coveted prospect for teams needing interior presence. Beringer’s combination of length and skill projects well for NBA floor spacing and defensive schemes.
Khaman Maluach (South Sudan, 7-1, Center)
Maluach is one of the youngest prospects in the draft but has already drawn significant buzz due to his rare combination of height, athleticism, and potential. Standing 7-foot-1 and weighing 253 pounds, Maluach plays for Duke and is known for his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess. Though still raw offensively, his physical tools and defensive upside make him a high-ceiling prospect who could develop into a dominant NBA rim protector.
Egor Demin (Russia, 6-8, Guard-Forward)
Demin is a versatile Russian wing with a 6-foot-8 frame, capable of playing multiple positions. Playing at BYU, he has shown flashes of scoring ability, length, and defensive versatility. His size allows him to guard bigger wings and switch effectively, a valuable trait in today’s NBA. Demin’s blend of athleticism and skill projects him as a second-round pick with upside as a 3-and-D player.
Nolan Traoré (France, 6-5, Guard)
Traoré is a French guard known for his quickness, playmaking, and defensive intensity. Playing for Saint-Quentin BB in France, he has developed a solid all-around game and is praised for his basketball IQ and leadership. His 6-foot-5 frame and length give him the tools to be a disruptive perimeter defender at the next level. Traoré is expected to be a late first or early second-round pick and a potential role player who can contribute on both ends.
What Makes This Class Special?
This year’s international prospects stand out for their blend of size, skill, and experience against professional competition overseas. Unlike many previous drafts where international players were seen as projects, the 2025 class features several who are NBA-ready or close to it, offering immediate value. Teams looking to add versatility and length on both ends of the floor will find intriguing options among these players.
NBA draft analyst Tyler Metcalf recently noted, “The 2025 international crop is deep and diverse, with players who can impact the game in multiple ways. Almansa and González, in particular, have the polish and competitive experience that make them first-round locks”.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, international prospects like Izan Almansa, Hugo González, Joan Beringer, Khaman Maluach, Egor Demin, and Nolan Traoré are among the top talents to watch. Their combination of size, skill, and professional experience positions them as potential difference-makers in the NBA. With teams increasingly valuing versatility and global scouting networks expanding, these international players could shape the league’s future.
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