By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist
During the preseason, young Noa Essengue and his team from Ulm flew to Portland for a friendly match. He returned to this experience and revealed the reasons for his 20 points and 8 rebounds.
During the NBA preseason, some international teams have the chance to fly to the United States to face franchises from the most prestigious league in the world. The opportunity for the latter to quietly gain strength against teams well within their reach, and for their opponents to show themselves.
This year for example, the Germans from Ulm played a match in Portland against the Blazers, and it was a French prospect who knew how to stand out from the game. At only 17 years old, Noa Essengue showed the scouts that he had already certain qualities for the highest level with an exit at 20 points. The images speak for themselves.
Noa Essengue talks about her success in the US
The 17 year old Noa Essengue really impressed scouts in his game versus the Portland Trail Blazers where most of their starters saw over 20 minutes of action.
He had 20 points with multiple made jumpers and rim finishes. He’s currently shooting 33% from behind the arc this… pic.twitter.com/dOwLol602S
— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) October 17, 2024
With 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in the match, Noa Essengue presented himself in the best way to the scouts NBA. Passing through Succeedhe talked about this trip to Oregon and his feelings about the United States. He obviously feels wonderful there, whether in daily life or on the pitch:
I love the United States. When you go to an NBA gym or even a hotel, everything is bigger. When you arrive in the room, everything is already ready. There is a staff and a lot of people who are there for you. Here, everything is much more focused on details and it’s exceptional. I trained all summer with NBA players and my trainer Adam. He notably trained Kevin Durant in the past.
I’m already very comfortable here and I like the style of play in the NBA. It’s a game that’s more like me. There’s running, transition, 1 on 1. There’s also more space to attack the basket so it’s more my style. I feel good when I’m in the United States.
Scoring 20 points against an NBA team at only 17 years old is a real achievement. Noa Essengue stood out, and he puts it down to his love of the game played in the United States. The spaces suit him much better.
