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          Scouting 10 intriguing international NBA draft prospects

          AFP / STRSTR/AFP/Getty Images
          • Mike SchmitzJan 24, 2018, 08:31 AM ET

          Mike Schmitz just wrapped up an international scouting trip that spanned six countries over two weeks. Here's a look at 10 NBA draft-eligible prospects not named Luka Doncic whom he evaluated while overseas.

          Over the course of the past 10 NBA drafts, an average of four international players (non-Americans playing overseas) have been selected in the first round. Although more and more international youth prospects are choosing to attend high school and college in the U.S. -- Lauri Markkanen and Ben Simmons, to name a couple -- basketball is more global than ever, and the draft-and-stash model is still in full effect. Roster spots are hard to come by, and teams want to leave prospects overseas to develop as long as possible. The addition of two-way contracts also allows organizations to get a little more creative with international players.

          For the second consecutive year, however, this international draft class is a bit underwhelming. After Real Madrid star Luka Doncic, there's a good chance we see only one or two other international prospects drafted in the first round. As I outlined in my future draft prospects notebook on Wednesday, there's no shortage of young talent in Europe, and I'd expect the 2019 NBA draft and beyond to be filled with interesting prospects, but scouts aren't overly enthused about this year's crop.

          With that said, second-round gems pop up every season, whether it's Nikola Jokic at No. 41 in 2014 or Marc Gasol at No. 48 in 2017. It's important for scouts to remain diligent with their evaluations and intel, as the scattered nature of the international market allows for much more creativity than the U.S. market does. With that in mind, we scouted 10-plus draft-eligible prospects over two weeks to get a feel for how all the prospects stack up and in search of potential new names that could be interesting now and in the future.

          Dzanan Musa | 6-9 | SG/SF

          1999-born | Cedevita (EuroCup, Adriatic League, Croatian League)

          Game scouted: Croatian League vs GKK Sibenik | 22 PTS (8-of-16), 12 REBS in 36 MIN

          Musa, a native of Bosnia who moved to Croatia to join KK Cedevita at age 15, is in an strong situation to compete and develop. He's playing meaningful minutes at the EuroCup level and producing at an extremely impressive rate for his age -- according to the DraftExpress database, he's the only sub-19-year-old to average more than 20 points per 40 minutes at the EuroCup level. Musa also has the free-flowing Adriatic League and lesser Croatian league to play a bigger role and grow different parts of his arsenal with in-game reps. Cedevita head coach, Jure Zdovc, gives Musa a lot of freedom in all three leagues, which has allowed scouts to see both the good and the bad aspects of the Bosnian wing. Currently on a cheap contract, Musa won't cause NBA teams to worry about a hefty buyout.

          Potential NBA role: Bench scorer

          The ultra-confident wing is one of the most decorated scorers in FIBA youth history and projects as an instant-offense, bench bucket-getter, if he's indeed able to carve out a role in the NBA. A 6-foot-9, fluid athlete, Musa does most of his damage on catch-and-shoot 3s, transition run-outs and aggressive straight-line drives to the rim. While not an overly advanced ball handler, he's comfortable pushing in transition and making basic pick-and roll reads. His scoring instincts are tremendous, as he's quick to the ball on the offensive glass and shows a high IQ on off-ball cuts. Putting him in a position in which he has some freedom with the ball will be best for Musa, as he can get a bit wild at times. A Kobe Bryant die-hard and crazed NBA fanatic, Musa was overly brash at a young age and has a tendency to break off plays to create for himself, even if he's an adept passer when he wants to be.

          What teams find in Musa's medical report will go a long way in determining where he's drafted, as he has dealt with back issues since he was young and doesn't have the most projectable frame. Musa is diligent with daily exercise, but NBA teams will certainly want to find out for how themselves how his physical composition could affect his longevity. It's hard to envision Musa defending NBA starting wings, at least early on in his career, so he's likely best as a microwave-scorer type off the bench.

          Outlook: Despite questions about his body and willingness to get others involved, Musa is in the conversation for the best non-Doncic prospect in this international class. What he has done at age 18 should carry weight within front offices, even those that are worried about his durability. With a high need for wings in the NBA and Musa's readymade scoring, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him go in the first round if his medical checks out.

          Interview | Scouting video Video

          Amine Noua | 6-8 | PF

          1997-born | ASVEL (EuroCup, France Pro A)

          Game scouted: EuroCup vs Reggio Emilia | 2 PTS (1-for-7), 2 REBS in 19 MIN

          The 20-year-old Lyon native is in a comfortable situation with his hometown club, ASVEL, where he has been developing since age 10. Although head coach JD Jackson was recently fired and the club is struggling to win games, he has a strong relationship with interim coach TJ Parker, the brother of club owner Tony Parker, and is playing a sizeable role for his age. He has started 27 of 28 games this season, 12 of which have come in EuroCup. The list of players to have started at least 10 games in the EuroCup before turning 21 is quite impressive, highlighted by Jonas Valanciunas, Guillermo Hernangomez, Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric and Thabo Sefolosha. Noua is far from that level of prospect, but joining that company speaks to his role this season. He's in a good evaluation setting, as he's in a similar role with ASVEL to what he could potentially have in the NBA.

          Potential NBA role: Utility forward

          At 6-8, 220 pounds with a 6-11 wingspan and a fairly rudimentary skill set, Noua's best chance of carving out a role at the NBA level is to develop into a versatile defender and continue to fine-tune his perimeter shooting. Noua plays with energy, has a sound feel for the game, switches on the perimeter and at least has the tools to guard some of the NBA's power wings. He has also improved greatly as a perimeter shooter, knocking down 23 of 65 (35.4 percent) 3s so far this season. Noua was a total non-shooter as recently as two years ago, so the progress he has made in such a short time speaks to his work ethic and mentality, which everyone inside and outside of ASVEL regularly praises. Growing up as a center, he's comfortable with his back to the basket after switches and has soft hands and touch around the rim while also being quick off the floor. Not the most gifted scorer nor aggressive defender/rebounder, Noua doesn't always pop, and he'll have to continue gaining more confidence in his offense to be a consistent threat on that end of the floor.

          Outlook: Noua is a prime draft-and-stash candidate, as he's in a good situation to continue developing overseas for the next year or two. He's a low-risk player who is sure to continue getting more minutes against elite competition, and he has the type of intangibles and approach you want in an energy role player. While his upside might not be sky-high, his rate of improvement is a plus and there's not a lot of downside to drafting him, stashing him overseas and hoping he continues to improve offensively. Noua will have a lot more value moving forward if he can prove capable of defending both forward spots. The NBA is still thirsty for wing defenders, which is a big reason guys such as Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale are hanging around. Even players in the Dante Cunningham mold help Noua's long-term outlook.

          Interview Video

          Abdoulaye N'doye | 6-7 | G

          1998-born | Cholet (France Pro A)

          Game scouted: Cholet vs Pau-Orthez | 3 PTS (1-for-1), 3 AST in 15 MIN

          Cholet -- a mainstay in France, where Rudy Gobert developed -- is having a bit of a down season, but N'doye is still in a solid developmental situation. He comes off the bench in a defense-first role, playing 14.4 MPG at age 19, which is a big step up from his Espoirs (under-21) experience last season. N'doye also had a big opportunity to help himself this summer at the under-19 World Championships, but he underwhelmed on a struggling French team while battling injuries. If he doesn't enter the draft this June he could compete in the under-20 European Championships, which would be a great opportunity to boost his draft stock with more minutes likely at his disposal.

          Potential NBA role: Pass-and-slash defender

          N'doye is one of the more intriguing draft-eligible prospects in France. At age 19, he stands 6-7 with a 7-2 wingspan and plays mostly the 1 and the 2. For reference, there are only two other players in the DraftExpress database classified as guards who have a wingspan longer than 7-1 -- Wesley Iwundu and Marshon Brooks. N'doye is a defender first and foremost, using his length, feet and defensive versatility to shift anywhere from 1 to 3. However, his offensive game is very much a work in progress. He's a capable passer and ball handler with a sound feel for the game, but he's quite limited as a half-court scorer and almost never looks for his own offense when left open. More long than athletic, he's not the most dynamic force to the rim if given a crease and defenders don't have to play him as a shooter. A member of the French junior national team since 2014, N'doye is still at a fairly early stage of his development, and his best bet of sticking is becoming a more physical, lockdown defender and positional rebounder who can space the floor as a cutter, passer and straight-line driver (a la Andre Roberson). N'doye plays the game a little too relaxed at times and could stand to bring more consistent energy and toughness.

          Outlook: Thanks to his tremendous positional length and solid feel for the game, N'doye will get his fair share of workouts, as teams will want to get a close look at his jump shot -- his clear-cut swing skill. If he does indeed stay in the draft, N'doye should have value as a second-round, draft-and-stash candidate, as he figures to play an even bigger role with Cholet next season.

          Interview Video

          Elie Okobo | 6-3 | PG/SG

          1997-born | Pau-Orthez (France Pro A)

          Game scouted: Pau-Orthez vs Cholet | 10 PTS (2-for-9), 8 AST in 27 MIN

          While Pau-Orthez is a historical club that had great success during the Boris Diaw and Mickael Pietrus days, it's still working its way back toward the upper half of the league. It's harder and harder to attract young French talent every year, especially with the continued success of academies such as INSEP, and the club isn't loaded with the finances to sign heavy-hitting Americans. Because of those factors, Okobo has shouldered a fairly heavy load at age 20, leading to some inefficient play. Missing a veteran point guard to help him develop, Okobo is still a bit rough around the edges as a pure point guard, and it remains to be seen how much that will change in the coming years. The fact that NBA teams can come to a game and see him play 25 MPG at the pro level is certainly a luxury, though.

          Potential NBA role: Scoring combo guard

          Although a talented scorer and improving facilitator, Okobo is still searching to find what he can hang his hat on at the NBA level. At 6-3 with a nice frame along with a 6-7-plus wingspan and sound athleticism, the half-Congolese guard certainly has some tools. He has battled bouts of inefficiency in the past, as he's a streaky shooter and somewhat shaky finisher in traffic, while still making the full-time transition from off guard to lead guard. Okobo has shown tremendous glimpses, though, going for 26 points and seven 3s against Serbia at the under-20s this past summer and rattling off two 20-plus-point games already this season. Consistency is the key for Okobo, who has started working with a sports psychologist to help him maintain a balanced approach. He's evolving as a ball-screen player and seems to have bought into being a lockdown defender more than he has in the past, which could become his most translatable NBA skill.

          Outlook: Okobo, who had four workouts last draft season, still has to show what he does at an NBA level before he can be considered a lock to get drafted, especially with how competitive the point guard position has become. With that said, he has some natural ability that hasn't been fully realized yet, and if guards such as Ognjen Jaramaz and David Michineau can get drafted as they have in recent years, the high-character Okobo is most certainly a late-second-round candidate.

          Interview Video

          Jean-Marc Pansa | 6-10 | C

          1997-born | Nanterre (France Pro A, Espoirs (U21))

          Game scouted: Practice

          Pansa was dinged up, so we saw him go through only some light skill work at a Nanterre practice, but there appears to be enough to him for scouts to at least follow the French Guiana native. At 6-10 with a 7-4 wingspan, a strong frame and good feet, the former soccer keeper is giving Nanterre spot minutes as an energy center while developing in the under-21 league. Although already 20, Pansa only started playing basketball at age 15 and has made tremendous strides since he arrived in Nanterre. He grew up close to the sea in the Saramaccan village of Korou, spending much of his time trying to capture fish with the local fisherman. Former Nanterre coach Charles Dube-Brais, who now coaches in China, discovered Pansa in French Guiana and has played a key role in his development. Pansa isn't a freak leaper or the most skilled prospect, but he's competitive with a praised work ethic and mentality. Hard-playing, 6-10 bigs with 7-4 wingspans don't grow on trees, and Pansa, whose parents hail from Suriname, could work his way into draft conversations next year if he's able to continue his progression and play a more sizable role with the Pro A team.

          Arnoldas Kulboka | 6-10 | SF

          1998-born | Capo D'Orlando (Italian League, Champions League)

          Game scouted: Capo D'orlando at Cantu | 6 PTS (3-of-8 FGs) in 24 MIN

          The Kaunas, Lithuania native has jumped around from Zalgiris to Bamberg in Germany and is now on loan with Capo D'Orlando in Southern Italy. While he has started all 28 games he has played and is getting his fair share of minutes, he's not in an ideal development situation or the right team structure to showcase his talents. Capo D'Orlando is 8-20 on the year and isn't exactly loaded with talent, featuring players such as former OKC guard Eric Maynor (who is toward the end of his career). The club is also reportedly behind on paychecks, which has made for a less-than-favorable environment. For a player such as Kulboka, who isn't naturally assertive and is likely a role player at every level, this isn't an ideal situation to develop or be evaluated.

          Potential NBA role: Wing shooter

          The 6-10 wing has the eye of NBA teams thanks to his smooth shooting stroke and positional size. While not the most gifted shot creator, he has excellent touch with his feet set and possesses the footwork to eventually develop into a guy who can get going off of motion. Kulboka also has a projectable yet skinny frame and fluid athleticism, which should show in a more wide-open game. On the flip side, he's quite limited with the ball on offense and lacks a degree of grit and physicality on the defensive end. Looking a bit mopey on the floor at times, Kulboka would benefit from revving up his intensity and enthusiasm, along with finding more ways to impact the game if he's not making shots.

          Outlook: In dire need of a new situation, Kulboka wouldn't surprise by keeping his name in the draft this year despite having an up-and-down season so far. Every team is searching for shooting, and a change of scenery could bring out the best in Kulboka, who is an interesting second-round option.

          Marko Simonovic | 7-0 | PF/C

          1999-born | Siena (LegaDue -- Italy 2nd Division)

          Game scouted: Siena at Tortona | 5 fouls, 0 PTS, 1 TOV in 10 MIN

          Siena, once a longtime Italian first division powerhouse and EuroLeague participant, has been slowed by financial struggles over the years and it's bled over to the on-court product. LegaDue, Italy's second division, isn't the most inspiring level of play from a global standpoint, and the late-blooming Simonovic hasn't done all that much with the minutes he's been given thus far. With that said, he's not in the best evaluation situation as he's used almost strictly as a screener and diver. The 18-year-old late-bloomer showed this summer, by averaging 17.7 PPG at the under-18s, that he's comfortable stepping out to 3 and thriving in more skill-based situations.

          Potential NBA role: Agile, Skilled PF/C

          Simonovic, who Jonathan Givony profiled more extensively in his most recent international scouting notebook, is still finding out who he is as a prospect. Formerly a perimeter player, he's extremely agile at close to 7-feet, with budding skill that should allow him to stretch the floor more consistently in time. Because he's not overly long or wide framed, being able to slide up and play some power forward as a more skilled 4 would make Simonovic far more intriguing to NBA teams. Also learning how to defend without fouling and play through physicality are on the priority list for the 18-year-old. With that said, he's a bit of blank canvas who is still at an early stage of his development.

          Outlook: Simonovic's combination of agility and offensive upside are certainly intriguing long-term, but he's quite clearly a year or two away from maximizing his draft stock. It will be interesting to see if he attends the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, as a week of drills in front of NBA scouts will certainly work in his favor given his shooting potential and athleticism. Simonovic may also compete in the under-20 European Championships this summer with Montenegro.

          David Okeke | 6-8 PF/SF | 1998-born | Torino (EuroCup, Italian League)

          Game scouted: Torino at Varese | 11 PTS (4-of-7), 6 REBS in 29 MIN

          Although Torino isn't known for developing NBA prospects, head coach Luca Banchi was playing Okeke heavy minutes in both the Italian League and EuroCup, coaching the 19-year-old hard yet allowing him to play through mistakes. He was gaining valuable in-game experience while developing in practice against former NBA players such as Lamar Patterson. However, Banchi recently left the club after discord with management and was replaced by 72-year-old Carlo Recalcati. It remains to be seen how much Okeke will play under Recalcati, who is more of an old-school coach. What appeared to be a good situation for scouts and Okeke alike could go in several different directions moving forward.

          Potential NBA role: Energy combo forward

          For Okeke to stick at the NBA level, he'll have to fully embrace developing into a defense-first, energetic combo forward who flies around and uses his tools to make plays on both ends of the floor. Not a freak athlete or overly gifted with natural skill or feel for the game, continuing to play harder for longer will be key for the Italian-Nigerian forward. Okeke is coming off a great summer with the Italian junior national team (under-19 and under-20) and has greatly surpassed expectations this season, playing a key role for Torino. With that said, he's still at a very early stage in his development as the game moves a bit too fast for him, especially defensively. He can make a spot-up 3 with time and space or finish with jump hooks in the post, and he does a nice job of staying in his lane, but improving the speed of his release and adding more to his offensive game will allow him to better fit at the higher levels. Defensively, Okeke needs to improve his awareness and discipline, which you'd hope will come with time. How Okeke can make an impact at the NBA level remains to be seen.

          Outlook: Okeke doesn't yet have an NBA skill, but every player 6-8 or taller with length, some agility and the potential to make a jump shot is a prospect in today's era of basketball, so teams will be smart to continue tracking Okeke throughout the rest of the season and beyond. Okeke could continue building his draft résumé by playing at the under-20s this summer and might become a more intriguing option for the 2019 draft.

          Interview Video

          Santiago Yusta | 6-7 | SG

          1997-born | Real Madrid (EuroLeague, ACB)

          Game scouted: Real Madrid vs Maccabi Tel Aviv | 7 PTS (3-of-5), 11 MIN

          Yusta, earning regular rotation minutes due to injuries, is in a great situation to show NBA scouts how he can impact the game at the EuroLeague and ACB levels. If he ever were to make it in the NBA, it will be in a role similar to the one he plays with Real Madrid. Seeing him against EuroLeague level players gives scouts a great barometer for how he might look at the highest level.

          Potential NBA role: Utility guard

          Yusta isn't overly talented, but he's competitive, an improving shooter and a willing defender at 6-7 with good feet. He doesn't have a great frame or much length, and he's a bit predictable as a right-hand driver in the half court. Still, you can't discount the increased role that Yusta, 20 years old, has earned with Real Madrid. Coach Pablo Laso trusts him enough to start him in 10 consecutive games, and he's shooting a career-best 44 percent from 3, which has long been his Achilles heel.

          Outlook: Yusta might never play in the NBA, as he doesn't quite have an elite skill or physical profile that separates him, but in a down year for international players, he's in a favorable stash situation with Real Madrid and could be an option in the late 50s of the draft.

          Yovel Zoosman | 6-6 | SG/SF

          1998-born | Maccabi Tel Aviv (EuroLeague, Israeli League)

          Game scouted: Real Madrid vs Maccabi Tel Aviv | 9 PTS (3-of-3), 2 AST in 20 MIN

          The 19-year-old Zoosman is in an excellent development situation under former Hawks assistant coach and longtime European coach Neven Spahija. Zoosman is able to play a small role at the EuroLeague level while carrying more of a load in the Israeli League, where at least two Israelis must be on the floor at all times.

          Potential NBA role: 3-and-D wing

          Not exactly a household name, Zoosman helped himself this summer at the under-20 Euros, averaging 16.3 PPG in 30.4 MPG on an Israel team that finished in second place. While not the most dynamic athlete or ball handler, Zoosman has size, length and a steady spot-up jumper. He's a sound perimeter defender and a lifetime 36.7 percent 3-point shooter on 188 3-point attempts, likely sliding into a 3-and-D style role if he ever were able to break into the NBA.

          Outlook: While not much of a player in the 2018 draft, Zoosman could have value in coming years if he continues to build on his already sound foundational skill set. He's not loaded with NBA upside, but scouts certainly earmark all prospects 6-6 or taller with any length and shooting capabilities.

          Rodions Kurucs | 6-10 | SF/PF

          1998-born | Barcelona (EuroLeague, ACB, LEB Gold)

          Kurucs has been a man of mystery of sorts for the better part of this season, as Barcelona continually moves him between the top team and the second team, doing all it can to keep him from playing meaningful minutes in front of NBA scouts. The 6-10 Latvian forward, who was a highly-touted youth player, and his agent chose not to sign an extension with Barcelona, which ruffled the feathers of management.

          We were expected to see Kurucs play with Barcelona's second team against Prat just outside of Barcelona during the L'Hospitalet Adidas Next Generation Tournament, which attracts scouts from almost every NBA team. This would have been an ideal time to showcase Kurucs' versatility as a 6-10 forward who can make a spot 3, attack a closeout and use his range to make plays off the ball defensively. With so many scouts in attendance, Barcelona decided to send Kurucs to Sevilla with the first team, where he played the final 45 seconds of a blowout and finished a breakaway dunk.

          Kurucs eventually played with the second team on Jan. 12 at Llieda and had a nice game scoring 11 points (4-of-7 shooting) in 18 minutes. A few scouts were able to make it to the game, but most opted out when planning their schedules, as it's too much of a risk to roll the dice not knowing whether he will play or not until the day of the game. Kurucs reportedly traveled with the first team to Greece for its EuroLeague game against Panathinaikos on the night of Jan. 11. He returned around 5 a.m. on the 12th and was told last minute that he'd be traveling with the second team to play in Llieda that evening. This is a perfect example of the unpredictability of trying to chase down prospects developing in the Barcelona system. NBA scouts are becoming more and more frustrated with the situation, with some flat-out refusing to even try chasing the 19-year-old prospect around due to the unpredictability.

          Kurucs has one more year left on his deal with a buyout estimated close to $4 million Euro, which is a hurdle in building his draft stock. Although he's a fringe first-round talent and arguably the second-best international prospect in the draft, he has played only 145 total minutes this season and hasn't been overly productive in LEB Gold, which isn't the most inspiring level. Kurucs is still developing through practice time, but the inconsistent in-game burn and the discourse with the organization has become a trend in Barcelona, with stubborn Croatian Mario Hezonja as the most recent example.

          Although he didn't always help himself with his mentality, Hezonja was a highly touted, ultra-talented prospect at a young age who would have greatly benefited from playing consistent minutes at any level. The muddy situation in Barcelona, along with a series of lower extremity injuries and inconsistent play, has slowed draft momentum for Kurucs, who was viewed as a future surefire first-round pick when he was thriving as a youth player in 2014 and 2015.

          Potential NBA role: Versatile combo forward

          Although we weren't able to see Kurucs live on this swing, we dove into the film of his 18-minute game against Llieda and have seen him up close at different stages in the past. Physically, he has the size and agility to play minutes at either forward spot, with his best offensive minutes likely coming at the 4. However, he isn't the most durable guy, and he needs to get tougher on the glass and defensively to steal minutes as a small-ball 4. His value comes as an occasional spot-up shooter who can also attack in a straight line and operate out of the post a little bit against smaller wings. He's not the most sound one-on-one perimeter defender, as he lacks a degree of discipline and plays the game a little high on that end. With that said, his height, reach and instincts make him a factor off the ball. His shooting will be the key moving forward, especially given his limitations as an advanced ball-handler and shot creator. A lifetime 30.8 percent 3-point shooter on 250 attempts, ironing out his shooting stroke will be integral in his development. Players in his mold often find ways to hang around the NBA given their size, shooting potential and overall versatility.

          Outlook: As it stands now, Kurucs and his camp have their eyes set on the 2019 draft, as he'll be a free agent and is expected to have a little more of a consistent role next season. All it takes to stay in the draft is for one team with an attractive situation to promise Kurucs, though, so we'll continue to track his progress as this year's annual prospect in hiding.