Nolan Traore, who Gonzaga is eyeing, impresses at the Nike Hoop Summit.
In Portland, Oregon, Nolan Traore showcased why he’s touted as France’s potential next top point guard prospect at 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 at this annual event that pits the finest under-18 basketball talents from the United States against global counterparts.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Traore delivered a notable performance, scoring 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting and distributing a team-leading four assists in Team World’s match against Team USA, led by Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey, at the Moda Center.
Various colleges, including Gonzaga, Xavier, and Alabama, have expressed interest in Traore, who also has the option to continue honing his skills in Europe until he’s eligible for the NBA Draft in 2025. Traore visited Gonzaga in December and spoke highly of assistant coach Stephen Gentry, noting Gonzaga’s track record with French players like Killian Tillie.
Despite the attention from colleges, Traore remains undecided about his next steps. His impressive performance in Portland could significantly bolster his NBA Draft prospects, as he garnered praise from teammates and coaches alike for his astute court vision, composure, and ability to impact the game decisively.
Fellow players, such as Baylor signee VJ Edgecombe and top-rated prospect AJ Dybantsa, lauded Traore’s leadership qualities and basketball IQ. Team World coach Marshall Cho commended Traore’s intelligence and versatility, noting his seamless integration into the team’s dynamics.
Throughout the showcase, Traore displayed a diverse skill set, including a step-back three-pointer, a well-executed alley-oop pass, and strong finishes at the rim amidst defensive pressure. Cho, impressed by Traore’s performance, expressed curiosity about the player development landscape in France, given Traore’s remarkable talent at a young age.
Traore, inspired by Tony Parker’s legacy, aspires to follow in the footsteps of France’s basketball greats. With France producing notable NBA talents like Victor Wembanyama, Traore sees himself as part of the country’s promising basketball lineage, poised to make his mark on the global stage.
