BREAKING: Hansel Enmanuel, a 6’6 guard, is projected to be a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, potentially later in the second round.

In a story that continues to defy the boundaries of physical limitation, human will, and basketball logic, Hansel Enmanuel — the electrifying 6-foot-6 guard who has played the game with only one arm since the age of six — is now firmly on the NBA radar. Multiple scouts, general managers, and front-office executives are reporting that Enmanuel is projected as a potential second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with many viewing him as a likely late-second round selection depending on how he performs during the upcoming season and in pre-draft evaluations.

This is no longer just an inspirational story. This is NBA reality.

According to recent evaluations compiled by ESPN Draft Analyst Jonathan Givony and echoed by NBADraft.net and The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, Hansel Enmanuel has made serious strides in his development during his time at Austin Peay and subsequently in the professional development circuits, including the NBA Summer League and private workouts. What was once thought to be an inspirational side note is now being evaluated with the same rigor as any other prospect.

“He’s not just here because of the story,” said one anonymous NBA scout. “He’s here because he can ball. Period.”

Born in the Dominican Republic, Hansel Enmanuel lost his left arm in a freak accident at just six years old when a cinderblock wall collapsed on him. Doctors were forced to amputate his arm just below the shoulder. That moment, which could have ended the athletic aspirations of nearly anyone, instead served as a catalyst for one of the most inspiring journeys in sports history.

Enmanuel moved to the United States as a teenager, and his story gained traction online through viral highlight videos that showcased an array of acrobatic dunks, pinpoint passing, and a dazzling handle — all performed with just one arm. Skeptics questioned whether his skills could translate against elite competition. He answered them, first at Life Christian Academy in Florida, then at Northwestern State, and later at Austin Peay, where he played Division I basketball.

Over the past year, Enmanuel has continued to develop physically, growing into a stronger, more athletic frame, improving his perimeter shooting, and significantly tightening his decision-making under pressure. The result: he’s no longer just a feel-good narrative. He’s a viable NBA prospect.

At 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Enmanuel has the size and length NBA teams covet in modern combo guards. But it’s not just his measurements. His athleticism, first step, and vertical leaping ability are all elite-level. In fact, several scouts ranked him among the top 10 guards in the draft class in terms of raw athletic tools.

Enmanuel’s highlight reel is filled with fast-break slams, behind-the-back dribbles, and acrobatic finishes in traffic. But beneath the flash lies substance:

• Transition Play: Enmanuel thrives in the open floor. His speed, vision, and fearlessness make him a weapon on fast breaks, and he’s developed the ability to finish at the rim despite contact.
• Court Awareness: Despite only one arm, Enmanuel has excellent spatial awareness. He uses his body to shield defenders, and his anticipation on both ends of the floor is instinctive.
• Defensive Disruption: While some assume he might be a defensive liability, Enmanuel has proven quite the opposite. He reads passing lanes well, contests shots aggressively, and uses his length to disrupt dribblers.
• Motor and Intangibles: Every scout who has evaluated him speaks to his relentless energy, unmatched work ethic, and team-first mentality. Coaches and teammates rave about his influence on the locker room culture and his refusal to accept limitations.

“He plays with a chip the size of a mountain,” one G League assistant coach said after a recent private scrimmage. “But what’s even more impressive is how coachable he is. He’s humble. He listens. He wants to get better every day.”

Of course, the path to the NBA is not without hurdles, and teams are evaluating Enmanuel as they would any other fringe second-rounder.

• Shooting Consistency: While he has improved his outside shot, particularly off the catch, his shooting mechanics can be inconsistent, especially under fatigue or defensive pressure.
• Ball Security: Predictably, ball-handling under tight double teams or traps can be an issue, as he lacks a support hand for dribbling or shielding. However, he’s learned to adjust with body control and superior court vision.
• Half-Court Creation: In slower, grind-it-out games, Enmanuel can struggle to create offense when defenders force him left or clog the lane. His decision-making in these situations continues to evolve.

But none of these concerns are deal-breakers, especially when stacked against the potential rewards. In fact, NBA insiders suggest several teams are intrigued enough to consider him a project worth developing in the G League, with an eye on his long-term impact both on and off the court.

“There’s a place for Hansel in today’s NBA,” one Western Conference executive said. “He’s a guy who can electrify a crowd, lift a franchise’s spirit, and maybe even surprise some people with his contributions on the floor. You want that kind of energy in your organization.”

It would be irresponsible not to acknowledge the incredible off-court value Hansel Enmanuel brings to a franchise. His story of perseverance, faith, and resilience has captivated millions around the world. He already boasts a strong social media following, lucrative NIL deals, and endorsements with major brands, including Gatorade, Adidas, and T-Mobile.

In the NBA, where narrative and branding increasingly intersect with performance and potential, Enmanuel is a marketing dream. His presence could be transformative for a franchise’s community outreach, youth engagement, and global appeal.

“You’re talking about a player who will sell jerseys, fill gyms, and inspire an entirely new generation,” said former NBA marketing executive Brian Byrnes. “Hansel Enmanuel isn’t just a player. He’s a movement.”

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Enmanuel’s journey will go through the usual proving grounds: private team workouts, the NBA Combine (if invited), and possibly the Summer League circuit.

Sources indicate that multiple teams — including the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Charlotte Hornets — have expressed early interest in bringing Enmanuel in for individual workouts. A strong showing in these settings could see him rise up draft boards and potentially earn a two-way contract.

“He’s going to need to ace interviews and show he can hold his own in live scrimmages,” said ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “But I wouldn’t bet against him. Everything about his life says he’s ready for this moment.”

Above all, Hansel Enmanuel represents something rare in sports — a living, breathing example of what it means to redefine possibility. His journey resonates because it challenges the assumptions of what is “normal” or “required” to succeed. It reminds us that adversity, when met with determination and discipline, can produce not just survival, but excellence.

That perspective isn’t lost on NBA players either. LeBron James has publicly praised Enmanuel in interviews and social media, calling him “an inspiration to every hooper out there.” Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade have both taken time to speak with him during past All-Star events, and Giannis Antetokounmpo referred to him as “a warrior” during a postgame press conference last year.

Enmanuel, for his part, remains grounded and focused. In a recent interview with The Undefeated, he said:

“I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. I’m just trying to be the best player I can be. God gave me this life, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”

The coming months will be crucial. Scouts will be watching his shooting, his decision-making, and how he handles professional-level defenses. But perhaps the most important question has already been answered: Can he compete at this level?

The answer, resoundingly, is yes.

Whether he hears his name called on draft night or earns a Summer League invite and grinds his way through the G League, Hansel Enmanuel has arrived at the doorstep of basketball’s biggest stage — a place few ever reach, and fewer still with his path.

As one longtime NBA assistant coach put it:

“I don’t know if he’ll be a starter or a role player or a guy who makes his name off the bench. But I do know this — Hansel Enmanuel will play in the NBA. And when he does, every single person in that building is going to stand and cheer. Because we’ll all be watching history.”

And if there’s one thing Enmanuel has made clear through every dunk, every dribble, and every defiant step — it’s that history is exactly where he belongs.