As NBA scouts scour the globe for the next international superstar, a handful of prospects have emerged as potential first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. From flashy French point guards to skilled big men from the Balkans, these ten players are making waves in leagues across Europe, Australia, and beyond.
Nolan Traore: The French Phenom
Leading the pack is Nolan Traore, an 18-year-old point guard playing for Saint-Quentin in France’s top division. Despite his youth, Traore has showcased a tantalizing blend of ballhandling wizardry, playmaking creativity, and difficult shot-making ability. While his efficiency and decision-making still need refinement, his upside is undeniable.
Every lottery team in need of a point guard to build around will be studying Traore all season.
Jonathan Givony, ESPN
Hugo Gonzalez: Spain’s Two-Way Terror
Over in Spain, Hugo Gonzalez is turning heads with his tenacious defense and developing offensive game for powerhouse Real Madrid. The 18-year-old shooting guard/small forward plays with a maturity beyond his years, showing a knack for making winning plays on both ends of the court.
However, Gonzalez’s limited playing time on a stacked roster could make it challenging for NBA scouts to properly evaluate him. His perimeter shooting also remains a work in progress.
Ben Saraf: Israel’s Unorthodox Playmaker
Ben Saraf, an 18-year-old Israeli point guard, is turning heads with his unique style of play for Ratiopharm Ulm in the German BBL. Saraf’s unorthodox shooting mechanics and left-hand dominance belie his exceptional scoring instincts and feel for the game.
Questions persist about Saraf’s ability to space the floor and defend at an NBA level, but his creativity and aggressiveness are undeniable. A strong finish to the season could solidify his first-round status.
Michael Ruzic: Croatia’s Modern Big
In Croatia, Michael Ruzic emerged last season as a potential first-round pick, impressing as a floor-spacing big man with a high basketball IQ. However, the 18-year-old power forward has struggled to build on that momentum, with his shooting numbers dipping and a thumb injury sidelining him for several months.
Ruzic’s youth and modern skill set still make him an intriguing prospect, but he’ll need a strong finish to the season to regain his draft stock.
Rocco Zikarsky: Australia’s Towering Presence
Down under, 7-foot-3 center Rocco Zikarsky entered the season with substantial hype after winning MVP honors at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany. However, the 18-year-old Australian has struggled to make a consistent impact for the Brisbane Bullets in his second NBL season.
Zikarsky’s size and potential as a rim protector are still tantalizing, but he’ll need to show improved mobility and awareness in pick-and-roll coverage to solidify his first-round standing.
Other Names to Watch
Rounding out the list of top international prospects are:
- Noa Essengue, a high-flying 17-year-old French power forward
- Joan Beringer, a raw but mobile French center with significant upside
- Rocco Zikarsky, a promising German center with shooting touch
- Dink Pate, a talented but inconsistent American shooting guard playing in Mexico
- Sergio De Larrea, a steady Spanish combo guard with a well-rounded skill set
This could be the strongest crop of international prospects we’ve seen in years, rivaling the famed 2003 class that produced Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, and Andrei Kirilenko.
A veteran NBA scout, speaking on condition of anonymity
With the 2025 NBA Draft still over a year away, these international prospects have plenty of time to boost their stock and catch the eye of lottery-bound teams. From France to Australia and everywhere in between, the future of the NBA is taking shape on courts across the globe.
