eFIBA star Warnocks becomes the first Frenchman taken of NBA 2K League Draft

ORLANDO (USA) - The eFIBA star Yacine Jemel of France, also known as Warnocks, his gamer alias, is living a dream after becoming the first French player to ever be drafted by a NBA2K League franchise. 

Donning the French national team jersey that he wears in competition, Warnocks was taken 12th in Thursday's draft by DUX Infinitos, a side representing Mexico City that had a spot in the NBA2K League for the first time in 2022.

 
Warnocks' performance in eFIBA Season 2 for France clearly enhanced his draft stock.

The player known as "Warnocks", whose "X" handle is @waarnocks, was named the best defensive player of Season 5. He also led France to a second-place finish at the eFIBA Season 2 World Finals. After, he was included in the Finals All-Star Five.

"I fully believe that eFIBA is the whole purpose of this," said pundit Jamie "Dirk" Ruiz during the draft show that was shown live on Twitch and YouTube.

"How good France was, how good Warnocks was. He has the respect of the best players in the world. I have not seen this many people rally behind one European player my entire life, being here involved with the NBA 2K League. The magnitude of it is insane. He is a demon."

Warnocks could end up taking the NBA 2K League by storm.

"Offensively he's phenomenal," Dirk said. "His one-on-one defense, making those game-changing plays. Being taken here, there's a lot of pressure on him going forward but he is in a pretty good environment, a team that is still trying to figure some things out. He's a sure shot to be their guy moving forward in three on three and five versus five." 

Another pundit on the draft set, Harris Rubenstein, said of Warnocks: "The No. 1 international player on my (draft) board. Warnocks has been absolute money all year long."

Warnocks' emotions were on full display on Thursday when his name was called.

The player watched from afar with a couple of friends, including France teammate Rayhan "Destiny" Saifi, and enjoyed the moment once his name was called and his spot in the Dux Infitos team was confirmed.

He then went on X, formerly known as Twitter, and wrote: "Thanks for the trust @avemario32 @rafaelTGR2K Time to work" while also inserting the French and Mexican flags.

 FIBA