How a Pro B Player Became the Clippers’ Latest International Find

Ngoy’s path to the NBA draft board is a study in persistence. At 22, he spent the past two seasons playing for Le Mans Sarthe Basket in France’s Pro B league, averaging 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the 2023–24 season. His selection by the Clippers—who traded up in the second round to secure him—was confirmed by the league’s official draft announcement, though the exact pick number (between 41–60) remains under team review.

What sets Ngoy apart is his physical profile: a 7’0”, 240-pound big man with a reported 7’7” wingspan, according to NBA Draft Combine scouting reports. His ability to stretch the floor and finish through contact has drawn comparisons to Victor Wembanyama, though at a smaller scale. “He’s got that same athletic upside but with a more traditional post game,” said one NBA scout, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Why the Clippers Bet on Ngoy Over Older, More Experienced Prospects

The Clippers’ decision to prioritize Ngoy over more seasoned international prospects—such as Niccolo Campagnola (22, Italy) or Luka Garza (23, USA)—reflects a growing trend in the NBA: teams are increasingly drafting raw athletic talent from non-traditional pipelines. Ngoy’s selection aligns with the Clippers’ recent emphasis on international development, following their acquisition of Wembanyama in 2023.

“The NBA is no longer just scouting Europe’s top prospects,” said NBA International Director Tom Tolbert in a statement. “We’re looking for players who can contribute in multiple ways, and Ngoy’s combination of size, mobility, and shooting range fits that mold.” The Clippers’ front office has reportedly been evaluating Ngoy since the 2024–25 season, when he led Pro B in blocks per game (2.1).

What Ngoy’s Draft Day Means for French Basketball

Ngoy’s selection is a historic moment for French basketball, where only Gobert and Wembanyama have been first-round picks in the past 20 years. His rise from Pro B—a league below France’s top-tier LNB Pro A—to the NBA draft board highlights how the global talent landscape is evolving. “This is a testament to the hard work of French coaches and development programs,” said French Basketball Federation President Jean-Pierre Siutat. “Ngoy’s success shows that even players from smaller leagues can reach the NBA with the right preparation.”

Ngoy’s draft selection also comes as France’s national team prepares for the 2025 FIBA World Cup. While he is not yet eligible for senior national team duty (he must be 23 by the tournament), his development could accelerate France’s push to qualify for the 2028 Olympics. “Ngoy’s draft selection is a great sign for French basketball’s future,” said French national team coach Vincent Collet. “It shows that our young players are being noticed at the highest level.”

Ngoy’s Next Steps: From Pro B to the NBA G League

Ngoy is expected to sign a two-way contract with the Clippers, meaning he will split time between the NBA and the G League. His first season will likely be spent in the G League, where he can refine his skills before earning a full NBA roster spot. The Clippers have not yet announced a specific affiliate team, but options include the Ontario Clippers or the AG Saints.

Ngoy’s draft rights were traded by the Indiana Pacers, who acquired them in a previous deal with the Clippers. The Pacers had initially drafted Ngoy with the 57th pick in the 2024 draft but traded him to Los Angeles as part of a package that included future draft capital. The Clippers’ move to secure Ngoy’s rights in the 2026 draft was confirmed by league sources.

Comparing Ngoy to Other Recent French NBA Prospects

Key Takeaway: While Wembanyama and Gobert were first-round picks with immediate NBA roles, Ngoy’s selection reflects the NBA’s growing interest in developing international talent through the G League pipeline—a model increasingly used for prospects like Campagnola (Italy) and Garza (USA).

What Happens Next for Ngoy and the Clippers?

Ngoy’s immediate focus will be on preparing for the 2024–25 G League season, where he will face more physical and skilled competition than in Pro B. The Clippers’ development staff will likely assign him to a mentor, potentially a veteran big man such as Ivica Zubac or Mason Plumlee, to help him transition to NBA-level play.

Long-term, the Clippers’ investment in Ngoy could pay off if he develops into a reliable two-way big man—someone who can space the floor and protect the rim. “The NBA is full of 7’0” centers, but the ones who stand out are the ones who can shoot and move,” said NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal in a recent interview. “Ngoy has that potential.”

How to Follow Ngoy’s NBA Journey

Ngoy’s draft rights are now secured by the Clippers, but his path to an NBA roster spot will depend on his performance in the G League. Here’s how to stay updated:

• Official Updates: Follow the Los Angeles Clippers for team announcements.
• G League Action: Check the G League’s schedule for his affiliate team’s games.
• French Basketball News: FFBB (Fédération Française de Basket) will cover his development.
• Social Media: Ngoy’s official accounts (if active) or Clippers’ international scouting team updates.