NBA Comparison: Kenrich WIlliams

Strengths: Penda is a physically mature, high-energy wing with a strong frame and relentless motor … Listed at 6’6”, he brings physicality and toughness to both ends of the floor, often guarding multiple positions and embracing contact … A connector-type who thrives within team concepts, Penda’s offensive game is based on hard straight-line drives, transition attacks, and second-chance hustle plays … He finishes well through contact with either hand, and shows strength and balance on cuts and in low-post matchups … Active rebounder for his position—averaging 5.1 boards per game this season in France’s top pro league (LNB Elite) … His motor, anticipation, and timing also result in weak-side blocks and deflections … Offensively, Penda contributes as a spot-up scorer (51.7% from two) and is capable of hitting the open three, even if it’s still developing … He’s fast in transition and makes simple, smart reads (2.5 assists per game), often hitting open teammates on the move … Defensively, he excels in help situations and holds his own against bigger players due to his lower-body strength and discipline … Can also switch onto wings and hold his ground, rarely gambling or over-commits … His 75.3% free throw shooting provides some optimism that his perimeter shot can improve with time and repetition, suggesting potential for long-term offensive growth …

Weaknesses: Penda’s biggest swing skill is his perimeter shooting … Though he’s shown improvement, he hit just 29.2% from three this season on modest volume, and his release remains a bit low and slow, making it susceptible to contests at the NBA level … Lacks fluidity in his shooting mechanics, and has not yet developed much in the way of off-the-dribble scoring … While effective around the basket, his post footwork is rudimentary and can get sloppy under pressure … Doesn’t create his own shot consistently and often relies on cuts, offensive rebounds, or transition to generate offense … Defensively, he struggles at times guarding smaller, quicker guards and may overcompensate by reaching or fouling … His instincts are sound, but his footwork in isolation coverage can lag behind against skilled NBA-level perimeter creators … Though strong and experienced, he doesn’t have one elite skill that jumps off the page, and may be viewed as more of a role-specific contributor than a high-upside project …

Outlook: Penda projects as a second-round or undrafted sleeper with the potential to carve out an NBA role as a connector and versatile wing defender … His game fits best on a playoff-caliber roster where he’s asked to defend, rebound, make hustle plays, and knock down open shots in a limited offensive role … If his shooting mechanics can be improved and his foot speed continues to develop, he could bring real value as a multi-positional defender and ball mover who doesn’t need touches to impact winning … Penda’s blend of toughness, effort, and team-first instincts are already pro-ready—and with improved shotmaking, he could grow into a valuable bench piece for a switch-heavy, defense-oriented team …

Notes: Born January 7, 2005 in Paris, France … Grew up in the Bondy suburb and played multiple sports before turning to basketball full-time … Developed in the BC Fontenay, Villemomble, and Levallois youth clubs before joining INSEP/CFBB in 2020 … Signed his first pro contract with JA Vichy-Clermont in LNB Pro B in 2022 before moving to the LNB Elite with Le Mans Sarthe Basket in 2024 … Averaged 10.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in 2024–25, while shooting 51.7% from two, 29.2% from three, and 75.3% from the free throw line … Logged a season-high 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in 38 minutes vs. Limoges …

Vuk Karadzic – 4/15/25