CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls have made their move in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting French forward Noa Essengue with the No. 12 overall pick on Wednesday night, tapping into a well of international talent to potentially reshape their frontcourt future.
Essengue, a 6-foot-9, 194-pound prospect, has been playing for Germany’s Ratiopharm Ulm, where he averaged 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds this season. At just 18 years old — turning 19 in December — he is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft.
Bulls Bet on Youth and Upside
While not a household name in the U.S., Essengue boasts a seven-foot wingspan, an ability to run the floor, and a knack for defending multiple positions — traits that drew the attention of the Bulls front office.
“We’ve watched a lot of tape on him, and we’re excited about his ability to come in and play our style of play,” said Bulls GM Marc Eversley, citing multiple live scouting opportunities.
Essengue himself acknowledges he’s still a work in progress, comparing his journey to that of last year’s Bulls pick Matas Buzelis, who entered the league with similar developmental expectations.
Professional Experience Gives Him Edge
Unlike many of his draft peers, Essengue has already faced top-tier professional competition overseas. He credits his time in Germany with helping him mature as a player, noting he’s competed alongside NBA-level athletes and EuroLeague veterans.
“I think I can do pretty much everything — shooting, passing, attacking the rim,” Essengue said after the draft. “But my strength is definitely the open-court game.”
He also shared that his German coach supported his NBA ambitions, giving him the go-ahead to leave his team and attend the draft in person.
Next Steps for the Bulls
The Bulls still hold the No. 45 pick in the second round of the draft, with ongoing speculation around potential roster changes or trades — though no official moves have been made yet.
Meanwhile, former Illinois standout Kasparas Jakucionis was selected at No. 20 by the Miami Heat, further highlighting the global scope of this year’s draft.
What do you think of the Bulls’ pick? Is Noa Essengue the future of Chicago’s frontcourt? Let us know in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
