Is Louisiana Tech's surging senior playing himself into NBA Draft consideration?

While Stanford senior Maxime Raynaud has been turning heads with his rapid progression, another French center in the NCAA is commanding attention with a strong start to the season.

Through 13 games with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, senior Daniel Batcho is averaging 20 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, shooting an outstanding 74.6 percent from the field. His performances have solidified him as one of the nation’s most efficient big men.

Batcho is building on a stellar debut season at Louisiana Tech in 2023-24, during which he earned CUSA Newcomer of the Year, a spot on the CUSA All-Defensive Team and First Team All-Conference USA honors after transferring from Texas Tech. 

With his senior season off to a scorching start, the Frenchman looks poised to collect even more accolades as the 2024-25 campaign progresses—and potentially attract NBA interest.

Senior season surge

The 22-year-old's scoring average is tied for the 18th-highest in the nation, while his 74.6 percentage field goal percentage ranks second.

On Nov. 19, Batcho delivered a career-high 38 points in a blowout win over Mississippi College. More recently, he showcased his defensive prowess with back-to-back six-block performances against Southern Memphis on Nov. 30 and Dec. 4.

The 6-foot-11 center has already amassed 35 blocks this season, placing him third in NCAA Division I. Only Youngstown State’s Jayden Quaintance (38) and Arizona State’s Gabe Dynes (42) have more.

Batcho’s offensive output has seen a significant leap this season, with his scoring average climbing from 15.2 points per game last year to 20. Defensively, his 2.7 blocks per game are up slightly from 2.4, though his rebounding has dipped from 9.8 to 6.8 per contest.

Path to the professional ranks

Despite his impressive numbers, Paris-born Batcho is not currently projected on mock draft boards, unlike fellow French big man Raynaud. However, the growing trend of NBA teams valuing experienced college players could work in his favor.

Even if Batcho goes undrafted, opportunities for a two-way contract or a G League pathway may still emerge. A potential route to the NBA could mirror the journey of Jay Huff, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent and eventually carved out a role with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Regardless of the specific pathway, Batcho's skill set positions him well for a professional career. Over 97 college games, he has shot an efficient 63.2 percent from the field and has consistently impacted both ends of the court. 

Whether in the NBA, the G League or overseas, the Bulldogs' standout seems certain to find suitors willing to bet on his continued development.