“As soon as he received his summons, I called him to congratulate him. It’s fantastic! I am very proud of Noa.“Lamine Kébé, the coach of Orléans Loiret Basket, will most certainly be in front of his television this evening, at 6 p.m., to watch the first steps of his former protégé at the Pôle France of Insep. Not yet an adult (only 17 years old) but already in the deep end, the native of Saint-Jean-de-Braye Noa Essengue will experience his first selection with the French Basketball Team this Thursday, November 21. The Blues of new coach Freddy Fauthoux are in Cyprus to play a qualifying match for the next European Championship. The return match will take place next Sunday, the 24th, in Poitiers.
Kevin Thénot, former coach of Noa Essengue at ABC Saint-Jean-de-Braye, will also be in front of his television this evening to admire the phenomenon in action. “He was a very curious child, a basketball fanatic, driven by a great desire to progress.” remembers the trainer. A needy person and a basketball player like no other continues Robin Dubarry. The Loiretan phenomenon came under his command, within the Fleury-Orléans agreement: “In less than 15 years, he was nicknamed the Pink Flamingo. He had very long legs. His upper body was not yet developed, but we knew he would be very tall. On a daily basis, we saw that he had something more.“
“He is only 15% of his potential” – Lamine Kébé
Today, Noa Essengue peaks at 2m08. Despite his impressive stature, the winger stands out for his great mobility and great shooting skills. An explosive combo that already allows him to exist at a very high level. Currently, he shines under the colors of Ulm in Germany with several top performances in the European Cup. “He has such room for improvement… he will strengthen himself physically, stabilize his shooting” confides Lamine Kébé. For the OLB coach, Noa Essengue would not be “only 15% of its potential. And observers in the NBA – the prestigious North American basketball league – are not mistaken. Noa Essengue is announced in the Top 20 of the next draft, the great basketball event where American franchises select the future big names of the championship.
The rating of Noa Essengue has continued to skyrocket in recent months. On October 17, with his Ulm team, he faced the Portland Trail Blazers in a friendly match. Facing the NBA resident, the Abraysian shines and scores 20 points. “Like all great players, Noa sees everything. And faster than the others” explains Robin Dubarry, one of his former trainers. “Its progress is constant” adds Kévin Thénot, who coached him at Saint Jean-de-Braye. “He has everything in store to establish himself in the NBA. What’s more, he can rely on a very present entourage” continues the coach, still in regular contact with the hope of French basketball. But before exporting his talents to the country of Uncle Sam, Noa Essengue will already savor this first selection this evening with the Blues. Under the eyes , obviously moved, by his former guides.
Noa Essengue 20 pts 3 threes 8 rebs vs Blazers 2024 Preseason
