Breaking Down Early Performances: Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Noa Essengue & Hugo Gonzalez's DNP-CD

Locked On NBA Big Board - NBA Draft Podcast

In this episode, hosts Rafael Barlowe and Alec Kichian dive into the opening performances of top international NBA draft prospects, including Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Noa Essengue, and Hugo Gonzalez. The discussion kicks off with Nolan Traore's rough season debut for Saint-Quentin in the LNB Pro A, where the projected top-5 pick struggled mightily against reigning champions AS Monaco, finishing with just 2 points on 1-of-9 shooting and multiple turnovers. Rafael and Alec explore how this tough opener impacts Traore's draft stock and what adjustments he needs to make moving forward.

Next up, the conversation shifts to Ratiopharm Ulm teammates Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue. Saraf dazzled in his debut, dropping 21 points and showing off his aggressive downhill style and three-level scoring. Essengue contributed with an efficient 15 points and showcased his defensive versatility, raising his stock as a potential two-way NBA forward. The hosts break down their standout performances and what this means for their development.

In the final segment, the spotlight turns to Real Madrid prospect Hugo Gonzalez, who didn’t play in his team’s opener. Rafael and Alec discuss whether Gonzalez would have benefited from going the NCAA route for more playing time and exposure, and debate the challenges young prospects face when developing in powerhouse European clubs.

To close out the show, the hosts introduce an exciting new name in the prospect pipeline: Jeremy Gohier, a 7'3" 13-year-old phenom from Canada. Rafael and Alec give early thoughts on Gohier’s potential and what makes him a player to watch in the coming years. They speculate on his developmental path and how the NBA might track his growth given his incredible size and raw talent at such a young age.