As the game of basketball grows more international, the influx of overseas talent into the NBA has never been more profound. Every year, scouts and fans eagerly anticipate which international stars will next grace the league with their skills. This feature dives into the profiles of 10 international prospects who are poised to make a significant impact in the NBA.
Alexandre Sarr
Alexandre Sarr, hailing from France, has quickly become a notable figure in the basketball world, playing as a center for the Perth Wildcats in the Australian NBL. During the 2023-2024 season, Sarr has demonstrated a solid performance, averaging 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. His capabilities on the court have not only drawn attention but have also placed him as a top prospect for the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
Sarr stands out primarily for his defensive skills, particularly his shot-blocking and ability to cover multiple positions thanks to his agility and speed—traits not often seen in players of his size. However, his offensive game is still a work in progress. While he shows potential, he will need to enhance his ability to create and make shots to compete effectively at the NBA level.
Another area for development is his physicality. The NBA’s demanding nature will require Sarr to bulk up and strengthen to handle the more physical players he will encounter. Despite these areas for improvement, Sarr’s fundamental understanding of the game and his defensive prowess make him a promising candidate for the NBA, where he could potentially make a significant impact if his offensive skills develop alongside his already impressive defensive abilities. His progress in the NBL suggests a high ceiling, making him an exciting prospect to watch as the draft approaches.
Zaccharie Risacher
Zaccharie Risacher, a small forward from France, has recently made waves in the basketball scene with his performances for Bourg-en-Bresse in the French Betclic Elite league. In the latest season, Risacher averaged 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board. His skills and potential have positioned him as a top pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
Playing in one of Europe’s competitive leagues, Risacher has developed a well-rounded game, characterized by his scoring efficiency and defensive versatility. His ability to play both ends of the court effectively makes him a valuable asset. However, to make a significant impact in the NBA, Risacher will need to expand his playmaking skills and continue to refine his shooting, particularly from long range.
Despite these areas for improvement, Risacher’s fundamental understanding of the game and his athletic prowess suggest he has the tools to succeed at the next level. His transition to the NBA will be closely watched, as teams will be eager to see how his European success translates to the world’s premier basketball league. His progression indicates a promising career ahead, potentially making him one of the future stars in the NBA.
Matas Buzelis
Matas Buzelis, an American-Lithuanian prospect, has been showcasing his considerable talents with the G-League Ignite, a team specifically designed to develop young players outside of the traditional college basketball pathway. Buzelis has been performing impressively in the G-League, posting averages of 14.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game. His diverse skill set and solid statistics have positioned him as a projected top 10 pick for the 2024 NBA Draft.
At 6’9″, Buzelis combines the size of a forward with the agility and ball-handling skills of a guard, making him a difficult matchup for opponents in the G-League. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is particularly valuable. Offensively, he is capable of scoring both inside and out, and defensively, his length and mobility allow him to guard multiple positions and be a constant threat as a shot-blocker.
Despite his many strengths, Buzelis will need to continue developing his shooting consistency and physical strength to maximize his potential at the NBA level. His current trajectory suggests he has the potential to be a versatile and impactful player in the NBA, offering the kind of positional flexibility and defensive prowess that teams highly value in today’s game. As the draft approaches, Buzelis’s continued development and performance will be keenly observed by scouts and analysts, many of whom are eager to see how his game will adapt to the challenges of the NBA.
Nikola Topic
Nikola Topic, a Serbian shooting guard from Crvena Zvezda Belgrade in the EuroLeague, has been making notable strides in his basketball career. With averages of 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, Topic has demonstrated a well-rounded game that has caught the attention of NBA scouts, positioning him as a potential top 10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Topic faced a knee injury in his first handful of games with the EuroLeague team in January, which may have lowered his stock coming into the 2024 Draft in the latest weeks. Still, the Serbian playmaker returned last Monday and showed his promise with 8 points in 15 minutes of action.
Playing in the EuroLeague, one of the most competitive basketball leagues outside the NBA, Topic has honed his skills against top-tier international talent. His ability to manage both scoring and playmaking duties makes him a versatile backcourt option. His assist numbers are particularly impressive for a shooting guard, highlighting his vision and ability to distribute the ball effectively.
Despite his lower scoring average, Topic’s efficiency and decision-making on the court are assets. His defensive play is also a strong point, as evidenced by his block numbers, which are exceptional for a guard. These attributes indicate his potential to contribute immediately to an NBA team, especially in a system that values versatile guards who can handle multiple roles on the floor.
To elevate his game further and solidify his draft position, Topic will need to work on increasing his scoring output and continue refining his shooting, particularly from long range. His progression in the EuroLeague will be crucial as he prepares for the transition to the NBA, where his skills could make him a valuable asset for teams looking for a guard with a comprehensive skill set.
Tijdane Salaun
Tijdane Salaun, a promising power forward from France, stands at 6 feet 8 inches and has been showcasing his skills with Cholet Basket in the French Betclic Elite league. This past season, Salaun recorded averages of 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His solid performance across these categories highlights his versatility and has positioned him as a projected top 15 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Salaun’s game is characterized by his ability to effectively balance offensive duties with strong defensive play. As a power forward, his ability to stretch the floor with a developing shooting range adds value to his game, making him a more versatile threat in modern basketball setups. Defensively, his average of 1.1 steals per game is indicative of his quick hands and ability to read the game, skills that are highly valued at the next level.
While Salaun’s rebounding numbers might appear modest for a forward, his mobility and defensive skills compensate, allowing him to cover more ground and contribute in various ways on the court. To enhance his draft prospects and transition smoothly into the NBA, Salaun will need to continue developing his outside shooting and overall scoring ability, as well as work on adding more muscle to compete with the physicality in the NBA.
His progress with Cholet Basket in the competitive French Betclic Elite league has provided him with a strong foundation. As the draft approaches, NBA teams looking for a forward with the potential to grow into a multifaceted player will certainly keep an eye on Tijdane Salaun. His journey from the French leagues to potentially becoming an impactful NBA player will be one to watch.
Hugo Gonzalez
Hugo Gonzalez, a small forward from Spain, plays for the prestigious Real Madrid in the EuroLeague. Despite having modest averages of 3.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game, Gonzalez’s potential and raw talent have positioned him as a projected top 5 pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. His current statistics may not fully reflect his capabilities, as he is part of a highly competitive and deep roster at Real Madrid, where playing time and opportunities can be limited for younger talents.
Gonzalez’s value as a prospect lies in his versatility, athleticism, and the high level of basketball IQ he demonstrates on the court. His ability to play within a system that competes at one of the highest levels in European basketball speaks volumes about his understanding of the game and his potential ceiling. Although his scoring and rebounding contributions are modest, his role in Real Madrid’s system requires him to be a team-first player who can execute specific tasks effectively.
To elevate his draft stock and prepare for the NBA, Gonzalez will need to focus on expanding his offensive game, particularly his shooting and scoring abilities from various spots on the floor. Additionally, increasing his physical strength and defensive skills will be crucial for transitioning to the NBA, where the competition will be even more intense.
Adem Bona
Adem Bona, a 21-year-old power forward from Turkey, stands at an imposing 6 feet 10 inches and plays college basketball for the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA. Over the current season, Bona has been making a strong impact, averaging 12.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and an impressive 1.9 blocks per game. His well-rounded stats and impactful play have led to him being projected as a late first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Bona’s presence on the court is felt especially in the paint, where he effectively utilizes his size and athleticism to dominate both defensively and on the boards. His blocking ability, nearly 2 per game, showcases his defensive instincts and timing, making him a formidable shot-blocker. Offensively, he has demonstrated the ability to score efficiently, primarily through post-ups and second-chance points off rebounds.
While Bona has proven to be a strong interior presence, for him to increase his NBA draft stock, he will need to continue to expand his offensive skills, including developing a more reliable jump shot to stretch the defense. Additionally, enhancing his free throw shooting will make him a more complete player and harder to defend in clutch situations.
Melvin Ajinca
Melvin Ajinca, a 19-year-old small forward from France, stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and plays for Saint-Quentin in the French Betclic Elite league. Over the current season, Ajinca has posted averages of 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.6 steals per game. His performances have drawn attention from NBA scouts, positioning him as a late first to second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Ajinca’s playstyle is characterized by his versatility and athleticism, which allow him to be effective on both ends of the floor. As a small forward, he exhibits a good scoring touch, especially from mid-range and in transition. His length and agility also make him a competent defender, capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing in the steals category.
While Ajinca shows promise, his development areas are clear. To raise his profile for the NBA Draft, he will need to work on expanding his range to include more consistent three-point shooting and improving his playmaking abilities to better facilitate for others. Additionally, bulking up and gaining strength will help him handle the physicality of the NBA and compete more effectively against stronger opponents.
Andrej Stojakovic
Andrej Stojakovic, a 19-year-old shooting guard of Greek heritage, stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and is currently showcasing his skills with the Stanford Cardinal in the NCAA. Throughout the season, Stojakovic has averaged 8.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. These statistics, coupled with his potential, have positioned him as a possible second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Stojakovic brings to the court a promising blend of size and shooting ability, typical for a shooting guard but enhanced by his height, which allows him to shoot over smaller defenders. His performance at Stanford has demonstrated his capability to contribute on both ends of the floor, though he is primarily noted for his offensive skills. As a shooter, he shows a solid foundation, but there is room for improvement in terms of consistency and range extension to make him a more formidable threat from beyond the arc.
On the defensive side, his size gives him an advantage in matching up against both guards and smaller forwards, though he will need to continue refining his defensive footwork and awareness to excel at the next level. The ability to effectively utilize his physical attributes and adapt to faster-paced play will be crucial for his transition to professional basketball.
To enhance his draft stock and secure a spot in the NBA, Stojakovic will need to focus on a few key areas: expanding his shooting range, increasing his scoring efficiency, and developing a more robust defensive game. Additionally, bulking up to handle the physicality of professional basketball will be essential.
Izan Almansa
Izan Almansa, at just 18 years old and standing 6 feet 11 inches, is a standout Spanish forward currently playing for the G-League Ignite, a team renowned for nurturing young prospects outside conventional college settings. This season, Almansa has impressed with averages of 10.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His performances suggest he could be considered for a second-round selection in this year’s NBA Draft, with the potential to rise to a lottery pick by the 2025 draft.
With his considerable height and versatile skills, Almansa presents a unique profile. Offensively, he can score effectively close to the basket while also working on extending his range to become a threat from beyond the arc. His solid rebounding demonstrates his prowess in the paint, utilizing his size and athleticism to secure boards.
On the defensive end, Almansa’s length allows him to be a disruptive force, challenging shots and intercepting passes. To further enhance his draft stock, he will need to focus on improving his perimeter shooting consistency and refining his defensive techniques. Additionally, building up his physical strength will be crucial for adapting to the rigorous demands of the NBA.
