Noa Essenue in Chicago, Joan Béringer in Minnesota, Nolan Traoré in Brooklyn: France placed three players in the Top 20 of the NBA Draft last night in New York. It is a little less than the five imagined during this first round: Maxime Raynaud and Noah Pendah stayed on the tile while waiting for the second round of this evening. But this grouped shot confirms the good health of tricolor basketball, which continues to arrive by waves in America, notably after Victor Wembanyama (1st) and Bilal Coulibaly (7th) in 2023; Zaccharie Risacher (1st), Alexandre Sarr (2nd) and Tidjane Salaün (8th) last year.
“Another beautiful Draft night for France!” Summed Nicolas Batum on his social networks. Happy for Noa, Joan and Nolan, great choice for their franchises. The three French people have gone through all the emotions and will especially land in frankness, cities or unique environments.
Noa Essenue (18) was announced in the top 10 and was finally chosen in 12th position. The Chicago Bulls have decided to bet on this fast and excellent winger in defense. “It’s a legendary franchise,” he smiles. She won a lot and I hope to participate in her return to the front of the stage, and win titles with them. I want to mark my story. The Frenchman, the face marked by fatigue and the jet lag, will remember his trip to New York, after having had to let his ULM team participate without him in the final of the German championship against Bayern Munich.
“I’m going to watch the match this Thursday on my phone, I’m going to be thoroughly behind my guys is going to do it,” says Essenue, who savor his happiness to set foot in the NBA: “It’s an incredible feeling. Being next to all these players that I like is a privilege that many would like to have. »»
“I didn’t want to let go of Adam Silver’s hand”
Quickly after him, Joan Béringer (18) was chosen in 17th position by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Olimpija player (Slovenia), who did not start basketball four years ago, because he could no longer find football crampons in his size (size 52), still did not come back, a few hours later, in the Brooklyn Barclays Center ‘lounges where the ceremony took place: “It’s incredible, I still do not realize. With my journey, I feel extremely grateful. I can’t wait to start. I want to give the best version of myself. »»
He did not let anything appear but the emotions overwhelmed him when he climbed the few steps of the scene, after hearing his name. “When I shakes Adam Silver’s hand, it was like in a dream, really,” he says candidly. I didn’t want to let her let go, I wanted to keep her for myself! I will be able to play against the best players in the world, it will be crazy. Nobody was waiting for me there, I have fun, I like to work and progress and I love the Comet ‘. This is what pushes me day after day. »»
After meeting the NBA boss, Beringer was able to exchange with another figure in the League, his compatriot and future teammate with the Wolves, Rudy Gobert. “We talked about FaceTime,” says the young player. He told me that he was super happy to have a Frenchman with him, I replied that me too. He then told me that he was looking forward to being able to work with me. I can’t wait to learn from him. »»
Victor Wembanyama will be well surrounded
The leader of Saint-Quentin Nolan Traoré (19) did not wait much longer to hear, too, his name be called by Adam Silver. Brooklyn’s nets put their hands on it, in 19th position. “It may be the best city in the world,” he rejoices. Nets have a great coach. It’s a great place to continue growing and building something. It’s full of emotions, but I was good enough to contain them. I didn’t cry! »»
He will be able to count in the second New York team on a Spanish coach focused on the game and the development of young players. “I will try to bring them rhythm, Qi basketball, and make the right choices, enumerates Traoré. I have never played in the NBA but I played in pro and I am ready. »»
This first round of Draft also did not give birth to a huge surprise: Cooper Flagg was chosen in first position by the Dallas Mavericks, and the San Antonio Spurs chose Dylan Harper to strengthen the team’s rear base. The Carter Bryant winger, chosen in 14th position, completes the recruitment of the South-Texas franchise to surround Victor Wembanyama in his 3rd year NBA. Wemby also wanted “welcome home” to Harper on the networks before talking to him in Visio. “I play for the Spurs, my name is Vic,” joked the Frenchman. “I know who you are, my name is Dylan, and I think we are going to be a teammate,” replied the American. The two already seem to have fun.
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