Nolan Traore, a prospect eyed by Gonzaga, delivers a standout performance at the Nike Hoop Summit.

In Portland, Oregon, Nolan Traore showcased his potential as France’s emerging top point guard prospect during the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit. Just two weeks after his debut for Saint Quentin in France’s premier professional league LBN Elite, the 17-year-old impressed in this annual event that brings together the finest under-18 basketball talents from the United States and around the globe.

Standing at 6-foot-4, Traore demonstrated his skills by contributing 18 points on 8 of 14 shooting and distributing a team-leading four assists in Team World’s match against Team USA at the Moda Center on Saturday.

Colleges are actively pursuing Traore, who also has the option to continue playing in Europe until he becomes eligible for the NBA Draft in 2025. Having visited Gonzaga in late December to observe their game against San Diego State, Traore has received offers from Gonzaga, Xavier, and Alabama. He highlighted Gonzaga’s recruitment efforts led by assistant coach Stephen Gentry and the school’s track record of recruiting French players like Killian Tillie.

Despite the attention from colleges, Traore remains undecided about his future path, stating that he likes all his options.

Regardless of his next move, Traore’s impressive performance in Portland could significantly boost his profile as a potential NBA Draft pick. His display in front of NBA scouts and executives earned him respect from teammates and admiration from coaches, who praised his basketball IQ, composure, and ability to make impactful plays.

Teammates and coaches alike lauded Traore’s basketball intelligence and leadership qualities. According to Marshall Cho, the coach of Team World, Traore’s understanding of the game and his ability to execute both offensively and defensively make him a standout prospect.

Throughout the televised showcase, Traore exhibited his versatility and skill set, including a variety of scoring moves, playmaking ability, and defensive prowess. Cho expressed intrigue about France’s player development system, considering Traore’s exceptional performance at a young age.

Inspired by the success of French NBA stars like Tony Parker, Traore aspires to follow in their footsteps and become one of France’s top basketball exports. With France producing a steady stream of high-level NBA talent, Traore aims to contribute to his country’s rich basketball legacy.