One of the top players in the 2025 NBA draft, French guard Nolan Traore, has turned down offers from around the world to remain in his home country, he told ESPN on Saturday.
Traoré, a 17-year-old, 6-foot-5 playmaker who enrolled at famed Parisian sports academy INSEP, will sign a two-year contract with Saint-Quentin in the French top division.
“Basketball-wise, it's the best situation for me,” Traore said. “I get to play with a coach I know, who gave me the confidence to play in the playoffs. I liked the first experience I had with them. Playing in the group stage of the FIBA Champions League (BCL) next season will be exciting And it was something very positive.”
Traoré was being recruited by a number of powerhouse college basketball programs, including Duke, Arkansas, Gonzaga and Alabama, as well as Australian NBL, EuroLeague and EuroCup teams in France and overseas. He says the convenience of being close to home was important to him, along with his pre-existing relationship with Saint Quentin.
“It was great to have all these programs interested in me,” Traore said. “I don't take it for granted. It was a reward for all the work I put in. I was happy to have all these options, but the ability to be close to my family was also important. They can visit me, and I can go home easily.”
Traore was a projected lottery pick in ESPN's first 2025 mock draft released in February, but will be ranked in the top 5 in the next update after an explosive spring that featured standout performances at different venues around the world.
Traore showcased his talents against prospects in his age group at the NBA's Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in Indianapolis in January, the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland in April and the Adidas Next Generation (ANGT) EuroLeague Tournament Finals in Berlin.
He had 18 points and 4 assists in an impressive Hoop Summit performance against his projected top-5 teammates Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, then broke the ANGT Finals record with a thrilling 45-point outing in a win. in extra time over the European power. Barcelona at the end of May.
Traore helped guide Saint-Quentin to the Pro A playoffs in their debut season in the first division, scoring 25 points and 7 assists in their final game against EuroLeague side ASVEL. After making a mid-season jump from the third division, he ranked among the top 10 scorers and second-best passer in France's Pro A per minute competing against men.
Traore's exploits helped earn him an invitation as a training partner for the French senior team camp starting June 18 in preparation for the Paris Olympics.
France has long had a major weakness at the point guard position that was only exacerbated by its federation's decision to ban experienced general Thomas Heurtel from the national team for signing with Russian team Zenit Saint Petersburg, amid the conflict in course in Ukraine. Traore will compete against former NBA players Killian Hayes, Theo Maledon and Frank Ntilikina for a spot on the team.
“At first I was very surprised when they called me,” Traoré said. “But the goal is to be selected in the team. I want to show the coaching staff what I can do and that I can contribute something to help them win.”
NBA executives are already highly anticipating the 2025 NBA Draft due to the significant star power among the high school and international ranks that will be eligible for selection a year from now. Traore says training with and against many top prospects was helpful in determining where he is in his development.
“Next year there will be a great draft class,” Traore said. “My goal is to win as many games as I can and then get drafted as high as possible.”
Jonathan Givony is an NBA Draft expert and founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.
