Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Noa Essengue
Position: Forward/Center
Team: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Class: Freshman
Height/Weight: 6'10", 194 lbs
Birthdate: December 18, 2006
Previous Team: INSEP (France)
Player Overview
Noa Essengue is an intriguing international prospect who combines size, mobility, and defensive versatility with the potential to impact the game on both ends. At 6'10", Essengue runs the floor like a guard, excels in transition, and uses his athleticism to contest shots and finish in traffic. Offensively, his smooth shooting mechanics make him a perimeter threat, while his ability to switch defensively allows him to guard multiple positions effectively.
Despite his physical tools, Essengue needs to assert himself more consistently as a rebounder and improve his interior presence. His tendency to drift to the perimeter can limit his effectiveness in the paint, and at times, he plays out of control when pushing the pace or attacking off the dribble. However, with continued development and added strength, Essengue has the potential to become a versatile two-way contributor at the NBA level.
"A high-motor forward, Essengue blends athleticism with defensive versatility, and his steadily improving offensive game suggests significant potential." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Mobility: Runs the floor exceptionally well for his size, making him a valuable asset in transition.
Wingspan and Athleticism: Uses his long arms and athletic ability to contest shots and finish in traffic.
Shooting Mechanics: Smooth perimeter shot gives him stretch big potential.
Defensive Versatility: Switches effectively onto smaller players while maintaining his defensive effectiveness.
High Upside: At just 17 years old, Essengue has significant room for growth as he continues to refine his skills.
Concerns
Rebounding Consistency: Needs to assert himself more on the boards to maximize his size advantage.
Perimeter Tendencies: Drifts to the three-point line too often, limiting his effectiveness as an interior scorer.
Control and Decision-Making: Plays out of control at times, particularly when pushing the pace or attacking off the dribble.
Physicality: Needs to add weight and strength to handle the physical demands of higher-level competition.
Questions
Can Essengue develop into a consistent rebounder, utilizing his size and athleticism effectively?
Will he refine his decision-making and maintain control during high-energy plays?
Can he strike a balance between perimeter shooting and being an interior scoring threat?
Bottom Line
Noa Essengue is a high-upside prospect with a rare combination of size, skill, and youth. His ability to stretch the floor, guard multiple positions, and finish in transition makes him a versatile option for the modern NBA. To reach his potential, Essengue must improve his rebounding, add strength, and refine his balance between perimeter and interior play. With continued development, he projects as a valuable two-way contributor at the next level.