The Chicago Bulls made waves in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Noa Essengue, a 6’9″ French forward, with the No. 12 overall pick. Known for his explosive athleticism and raw potential, Essengue has been dubbed a “monster” on the court. Here are five shocking facts about this intriguing prospect that highlight why the Bulls are betting big on his future.
1. One of the Youngest Players in the 2025 NBA Draft
Born on December 18, 2006, Noa Essengue is just 18 years old, making him the second-youngest player in the 2025 NBA Draft, only three days older than the No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg. His youth adds to his allure as a high-upside prospect, with years ahead to refine his skills and develop into a potential star. Despite his age, Essengue has already competed against seasoned professionals in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga and EuroCup, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
2. Elite Physical Tools That Scream NBA Potential
Essengue’s measurements are jaw-dropping for a forward. Standing at 6’10” barefoot with a 7’1″ wingspan and a 9’1¾” standing reach, he possesses the length and athleticism to dominate on both ends of the court. His ability to move like a 6’6″ wing despite his size makes him a versatile defender capable of switching across multiple positions. These rare physical gifts draw comparisons to NBA stars like Pascal Siakam and Kawhi Leonard, hinting at his potential to become a two-way force.
3. Dominated Professional Competition at Just 17
Before turning 18, Essengue was already making waves with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in EuroCup play, shooting an impressive 56% from the field. In a standout playoff game against Euroleague team Alba Berlin, he dropped 21 points, going 13-for-13 from the free-throw line, while adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. His ability to produce against high-level competition at such a young age is a testament to his fearless mentality.
4. A Burgeoning Skill Set with Room to Grow
While Essengue is known for his athleticism and defense, his offensive game is showing promising flashes. He’s developed a tighter handle for a player of his size, allowing him to attack the rim with euro-steps, spin moves, and explosive dunks. Although his three-point shooting (29.4% in EuroCup) remains a work in progress, he’s worked with shooting coaches like Adam Harrington to smooth out his stroke, and recent games show improvement, including a 2-for-5 three-point performance in a playoff semi-final. If his jumper becomes consistent, he could evolve into a dynamic offensive threat.
5. A Defensive Menace with All-NBA Potential
Essengue’s defensive prowess is what sets him apart as a “monster.” His 7’1″ wingspan and quick lateral movement allow him to guard positions 1 through 5, making him a perfect fit for modern NBA switch-heavy defenses. He averaged 2.1 steals per 36 minutes last season and showcased his hustle by crashing the glass for rebounds and deflections. Analysts believe his defensive instincts and physical tools could one day earn him All-NBA Defensive honors, making him a cornerstone for the Bulls’ rebuilding efforts.
Why the Bulls Are Excited
The Chicago Bulls, in the midst of a youth-driven rebuild, see Essengue as a perfect complement to their young core, including Matas Buzelis. His raw talent, combined with his professional experience and elite physical attributes, makes him a high-risk, high-reward pick. While his offensive game needs polishing, his defensive versatility and athletic upside make him a player to watch in the 2025 NBA 2K25 Summer League and beyond.
Noa Essengue is a name Bulls fans will want to remember. This French phenom has the tools to become a game-changer, and his journey in Chicago is just beginning.