French guard Nolan Traore, at 6-foot-5 and only 17 years old, has made a bold decision to stay in his home country rather than accept offers from powerhouse teams around the world. Despite interest from colleges like Duke, Arkansas, Gonzaga, and Alabama, as well as teams in Australia, Euroleague, and EuroCup, Traore has chosen to sign a two-year contract with Saint-Quentin in the French first division. This decision was heavily influenced by his desire to play close to home and his existing relationship with Saint-Quentin.
In a recent interview, Traore expressed his satisfaction with his decision, highlighting the importance of being near his family and the familiarity of playing for a coach who had previously shown confidence in him. For Traore, the opportunity to compete in the FIBA Champions League with Saint-Quentin was a major draw, solidifying his belief that he is in the best possible basketball situation.
Despite his youth, Traore has already made a name for himself on the international basketball scene. He impressed scouts at events such as the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, the Nike Hoop Summit, and the Euroleague’s Adidas Next Generation Tournament Finals. His standout performances against fellow top prospects have solidified his status as a top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Traore’s explosive spring, including a record-breaking 45-point game against Barcelona in the ANGT Finals, has propelled him into the top 5 rankings.
Traore’s rapid ascent in the basketball world has not gone unnoticed by NBA executives, who are eagerly anticipating the 2025 draft class. Traore himself recognizes the level of talent he is up against and sees the value in training and competing against the best young prospects in the game. With an invitation to train with the French senior national team and a chance to compete for a spot on the team, Traore is determined to showcase his skills and make an impact on the international stage.
As Traore prepares for his next challenge, he remains focused on his ultimate goal of making it to the NBA. With his decision to stay close to home and further his development with Saint-Quentin, Traore is setting himself up for future success in the basketball world. His dedication, talent, and drive to compete at the highest level are paving the way for a promising career in the sport. With the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon, all eyes will be on Nolan Traore as he continues to make waves in the world of basketball.