Duke Basketball’s Pursuit of French Star Nolan Traore

The Duke basketball staff reportedly showed significant interest in Nolan Traore, a 6-foot-5 guard from France who is already a projected 2025 lottery pick. According to a feature piece by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Traore “spurned offers from across the globe to remain in his home country,” signing with French basketball club Saint-Quentin.

Coach Jon Scheyer

Traore was being recruited by powerhouse college programs, including Duke, Arkansas, Gonzaga, and Alabama, as well as Euroleague, EuroCup, and Australian NBL teams. He broke the ANGT Finals record scoring 45 points vs Barcelona last week.

“It was cool to have all these programs interested in me,” Traore told Givony.

Traore’s impressive performances have rapidly propelled him toward the top shelf of 2025 NBA Draft big boards. As Givony explained, Traore was a projected lottery pick in ESPN’s first 2025 mock draft published in February, but will be ranked in the top-5 in the next update after an explosive spring that featured standout showings in different venues across the globe.

Meanwhile, the Duke basketball recruiters are undoubtedly pleased with the six-deep collection of incoming freshmen they secured on the 2024 trail. After all, it’s the nation’s top-ranked bunch, highlighted by the cycle’s premier prep in five-star forward Cooper Flagg, the early frontrunner to get drafted No. 1 overall next summer.

Duke basketball freshmen

All but one of those Blue Devil newcomers are in Durham this week, helping out with K Academy and getting acquainted with what will be their new home upon their return to campus this summer.

“It was cool to have all these programs interested in me.” - Nolan Traore

The pursuit of Traore is a testament to Duke’s commitment to recruiting top talent from around the world. Although they may not have landed Traore, their efforts demonstrate their dedication to building a strong team for the future.

Duke basketball