By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
It looked as though the EuroLeague would turn into a Greek party as both capital city sides, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, reached the final four; however, they were both surprisingly dumped out in the semifinals. That ultimately resulted in a Fenerbahce and Monaco showpiece that no one anticipated, with the Turks eventually winning the title with an 81-70 win in Abu Dhabi, courtesy of 28 points from American Nigel Hayes-Davis.
Over in the States, however, the NBA Finals are still ongoing and the series is on a knife-edge. The underdog Indiana Pacers are looking to upset the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder in a battle for the ages for the Larry O’Brien. The showpiece series is currently tied at two games apiece, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who will eventually emerge with the title.
Once a champion has been decided, however, all eyes will immediately turn to this summer’s draft, and online basketball betting sites feel that it is blatantly obvious as to who will be selected first overall. That, of course, will be Cooper Flagg, with websites offering basketball betting in Canada making the Duke Blue Devil a whopping -10000 favorite to be chosen at the top of the board.
But while the superstar 18-year-old commands top billing, plenty of Europeans are also expected to be drafted to the NBA this summer. So, who exactly are scouts from the biggest league in the world looking at? Let’s find out.
Nolan Traoré
If you’re searching for the crown jewel of European talent, look no further than Nolan Traoré. The French point guard is widely regarded as the top international prospect, with some projections earmarking him as a potential top-ten pick. The 19-year-old is a bona fide playmaker, combining elite court vision with a knack for scoring big points in crucial moments.
His record-breaking performances in the Basketball Champions League secured him the best young player award in that particular tournament, cementing his status as one of the top up-and-coming prospects on the planet. His displays very nearly caused an almighty shock in the play-in round as his unheralded Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball almost upset Turkish giants Galatasaray, but ultimately, they were beaten by just two points in a thrilling game three.
Noa Essengue
Another Frenchman, Noa Essengue, is also considered a top prospect for the upcoming draft. The 18-year-old has already made waves with some standout displays in the EuroCup, averaging almost 14 points per game last term in a breakout campaign. The 6’9″ power forward has the ability to score efficiently in the paint and stretch defenses, with a developing mid-range game that has drawn comparisons to many current versatile NBA big men.
Projected to go in the late lottery or perhaps in the first round, his NBA prospects are bright. He could slot in as a versatile forward capable of defending multiple positions, all while still making huge contributions on offense. Teams looking for an athletic four with high upside will find Essengue difficult to pass up.
Joan Beringer
Considering their run to the silver medal at last year’s Olympic Games, it should come as no surprise that the French are once again major players in the basketball world. Their third prospect set to hit the draft this summer is Joan Beringer, who many consider the modern evolution of the center position. Standing 7 feet tall, he’s not just big; he’s mobile and defensively savvy.
The 18-year-old is currently based in Slovenia with Cedevita Olimpija, and Beringer led them to a famous league and cup double last season. If that wasn’t enough, he was also the blocking leader in the ABA League, but his campaign in that competition ultimately came to an end in the quarterfinals following a 2-1 defeat to Dubai Basketball. Even so, big things are expected for the giant Frenchman in the coming years, and his first-round projection is well-earned.
Hugo González
Real Madrid is no stranger to basketball superstars. Los Blancos are the record 11-time EuroLeague champions and have had the likes of Luka Doncic and Usman Garuba come through the doors of the Movistar Arena in recent years. Next up on their storied conveyor belt of a youth academy is Hugo González, and he is projected to make his way to the NBA this summer.
While his minutes have been limited with Real Madrid’s senior team, González’s skillset as a wing player makes him an intriguing prospect. He is currently thought of as a mid-to-late first-rounder, with his size, defensive acumen, and ability to fire daggers from downtown all making him a tantalizing prospect.
After making his debut at just 16 years of age, the small forward became the fourth youngest Madridista in history. Three years on, he is the target of NBA teams searching for a 3-and-D wing, and he would certainly be a wise long-term investment for whoever pulls the trigger.