The American basketball league, the NBA, has opened up the opportunity for international prospects to sign up for the 2025 NBA Draft early entry process before college eligibility ends and a list of notable international players has been mentioned. With players from leagues in France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Australia, China, and more, the Spanish player, Eli Ndiaye takes up space in the NBA Draft. A very exciting time for the player and we will explore his journey in basketball and how he fits in the NBA.
The NBA Draft early entry process
The NBA’s early entry for the 2025 NBA draft has been filed by 106 candidates, which includes 73 college players, 30 international players, and 3 G League prospects. If they wish to, the international and other candidates, besides college players, must remove their application from the draft by the 15th of June. College players have the responsibility to do so by the 28th of May so that they can keep their NCAA eligibility.
The NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) policy has been a factor in the significant drop in the recent years in early applications for the NBA Draft. The policy has allowed college athletes to have financial support and earn an income. The reliance of finance doesn’t urge the college players to join the NBA immediately. With the draft approaching, different teams will go through prospects to see who fits in their team.
International players listed in the Draft
A strong wave of 106 international players who are ready to show their talent in the NBA, have signed an early NBA draft entry from leagues in France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Australia, China, and more. Names that pop out from the list include France’s Mohammad Amini, Hugo Gonzalez from Real Madrid, Spain, Rocco Zikarsky in Brisbane, Australia, and Spanish player, Eli Ndiaye
Skilled Spanish player currently playing for Real Madrid, Eli Ndiaye is listed amongst international standouts such as Alec Anigbata, who is a forward position player from Germany and the guard from France who is said to be a solid draft prospect with great speed, Zaion Nebot. With great growth in global interest, the NBA’s international reach is slowly taking over the globe. The draft will take place on the 25th and 26th of June at Barclays Center in New York.
The journey of Eli Ndiaye: career and stats
Born in Guédiawaye, Senegal in 2004, the Senegalese Spanish basketball player is currently shooting hoops for the EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga ACB, Real Madrid. Moving to Spain at a tender age, the professional basketball player began his journey the age of the 13. Eli Ndiaye joined the team in the junior system and made his mark as he helped Real Madrid win the 2018 Minicopa title.
The Real Madrid star player furthered his basketball career in Spain when he obtained his Spanish citizenship in 2020, which gave him freedom to play for Spain’s national teams. His EuroLeague journey started in September 2021, playing against Fenerbahçe. Ndiaye played as a regular member of the Real Madrid’s senior squad, contributing to the EuroLeague championship of the team in 2023.
Prior to the championship, Eli Ndiaye played alongside the Real Madrid team towards their win the Spanish Super Cup in 2021 and 2022. The 2024-25 season tallies Ndiaye’s averages as 3.6 points per game, 2.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists per game, 37.0% field goal percentage, a 23.3% three-point shooting rate, and a 64.3 percentage from the free-throw line. The stats are one of greatness and a promising potential drafted player in the NBA.
With the 2025 NBA Draft soon approaching, talented international candidates are making their mark and taking up space. Players such as Eli Ndiaye have built an impressive portfolio with his journey from Senegal to Spain which highlights them amongst other early entrants. The player’s unique skill set is one that will draw attention from fans and sport analysts as he joins the biggest basketball league. From Europe, Asia and Africa, the diversity of the NBA is only growing wider with more international players soon recognized.
