French basketball phenom Nolan Traore has made the decision to stay in his home country, spurning offers from prestigious basketball programs worldwide. The highly-touted 17-year-old guard, known for his exceptional skills and playmaking abilities, will sign a two-year contract with Saint-Quentin in the French first division.

Traore, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-5, hails from the renowned Parisian sports academy INSEP. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play with a familiar coach and team, citing their support and confidence in him during the playoffs. Additionally, Traore is looking forward to the challenge of competing in the FIBA Champions League (BCL) group stage next season.

Despite receiving interest from heavyweight college basketball programs such as Duke, Arkansas, Gonzaga, and Alabama, as well as offers from the Australian NBL and various EuroLeague and EuroCup teams, Traore emphasized the importance of being close to home. The comfort of having his family nearby and the existing relationship with Saint-Quentin played a significant role in his decision-making process.

Acknowledging the recognition and opportunities presented by the numerous programs vying for his talents, Traore expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of his hard work. Moving forward, he aims to make the most of his decision to remain in France, with the added advantage of easily accessible visits from his family.

Projected as a top lottery pick in ESPN's initial 2025 mock draft, Traore's explosive performances in various global events have solidified his standing as one of the top prospects. Impressing scouts and experts at the NBA's Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, the Nike Hoop Summit, and the EuroLeague's Adidas Next Generation Tournament Finals, Traore's recent accomplishments have further boosted his stock.

During the Hoop Summit, he showcased his talent against other projected top-five picks, demonstrating his ability to dominate the court. Notably, Traore broke the ANGT Finals record with an extraordinary 45-point performance, leading his team to an overtime victory against European powerhouse Barcelona.

Traore's impact was also felt as he guided Saint-Quentin to the Pro A playoffs in their debut season in the first division. Going up against seasoned professionals, Traore's contributions as a scorer and passer solidified his position as one of the league's top performers on a per-minute basis.

His impressive performances have not only earned international recognition but have also caught the attention of the French senior national team. Traore has been invited to train alongside veterans and former NBA players, as they prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Competing against the likes of Killian Hayes, Theo Maledon, and Frank Ntilikina, Traore is determined to prove his worth and secure a spot on the national team.

As the highly anticipated 2025 NBA draft approaches, Traore recognizes the immense talent among his peers and the opportunity to further showcase his abilities. With his sights set on winning games and achieving a high draft position, Traore's dedication to continuous growth and development shines through.

NBA executives and experts have already expressed excitement about the upcoming draft class, considering the remarkable talent pool of high school and international players who will become eligible for selection next year. Jonathan Givony, an NBA draft expert and founder of DraftExpress.com, highlights Traore's experiences training with and against the top prospects as a valuable aspect of his development.

In choosing to remain in France and sign with Saint-Quentin, Traore has made a bold decision that aligns with his aspirations for success. His commitment to further honing his skills and making a significant impact on the court will undoubtedly keep him in the conversation as one of the top prospects to watch leading up to the 2025 NBA draft.