French forward Noah Penda, a potential first-round pick, declares for 2025 NBA draft
Noah Penda, a 6-foot-8 forward from France, will reportedly declare for the 2025 NBA draft after one season with Le Mans Sarthe, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Penda is averaging 9.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals on 43.3% shooting from the field in 27 games in the French League. He has scored at least 10 points 13 times, including a season-high 19 points and two rebounds on Oct. 4.
The 20-year-old is viewed as one of the top international prospects this year, given his scoring, versatility on the defensive end of the court and size at 225 pounds. He can be a force in the paint after getting downhill and has good athleticism for a player at his position.
Penda, born in Paris, is considered a potential first-round pick this year based on his overall skill set and potential on the court. He has mostly been inconsistent as a shooter and will need to improve in that area after converting 31.6% from 3-point range on 2.9 attempts per game.
He has represented France three times at the junior level, most recently in the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket. He helped the Frenchmen to the gold medal, averaging 11.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, three assists and 1.7 steals on 56.3% shooting from 3-point range in seven games.
Penda will be a late arrival to the United States for the predraft process, with Le Mans on track to qualify for the playoffs beginning next month. He will likely have the opportunity to participate in a draft combine in June for prospects still playing with their international teams.
The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
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Tim Duncan's prime was maximized because San Antonio built with precision. Shooting. Defense. Clarity. Manu Ginobili didn't need the ball to impact the game. Tony Parker could bend defenses without dominating possessions. Everyone fit around Duncan, and San Antonio always evolved with the times as the NBA changed. And because of that, it lasted two decades. Wembanyama deserves that kind of infrastructure. And right now, it feels like the Spurs are building a roster better suited for 2005. But the blueprint has never been clearer: surround your generational star with players who space the floor, make quick decisions, and elevate him without always needing the ball to do it. Do that, and Wembanyama changes the sport. Don't, and years from now we'll talk about how the Spurs landed an alien and built a roster that made him look human.
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