Joan Beringer Bio
Joan Beringer is a French professional basketball player who serves as a center for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on November 11, 2006, in Sélestat, France, Beringer developed as a late bloomer in basketball after initially pursuing football. His rapid rise through European basketball led him to join Cedevita Olimpija in Ljubljana, where he helped the team capture the Slovenian Basketball Cup before being selected 17th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Early Life and Background
Joan Beringer was born on November 11, 2006, in Sélestat, France. His father is Alsatian and his mother is from Benin. He spent his first 10 years in Sélestat before moving to Strasbourg, where his athletic journey began in a different sport entirely.
Beringer played football growing up and by the summer of 2021 had never touched a basketball. He explained that at around 14 to 15 years old, he could not find cleats in his size because his feet had grown too big. After being pressured by friends to try basketball, he joined the club Strasbourg Saint-Joseph Basket and played for their Under-17 team.
Path to Basketball
Beringer joined SIG Strasbourg in 2022 and played for their Under-18 squad in the LNB Espoirs league. During the 2022-23 season, he averaged 4.1 points per game. He made a significant jump in the 2023-24 season, averaging 17.4 points per game. He also competed for the Under-21 prospects team, where he posted averages of 9.4 points, eight rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Beringer competed for France at the 2023 FIBA Under-18 European Championship, gaining valuable international experience that helped accelerate his development. His impressive performances in domestic youth leagues caught the attention of professional scouts.
Joan Beringer Career
Early Career (2024)
In the summer of 2024, Beringer moved to Ljubljana to join the club Cedevita Olimpija. He was initially set to play for the club’s reserve squad but impressed during training and was promoted to the senior team before appearing in a game. In November 2024, he signed a four-year contract with the club.
Beringer saw significant playing time with Cedevita Olimpija and quickly became a key contributor. His defensive presence and shot-blocking ability stood out at the Adriatic Basketball Association level.
Slovenian League and ABA League Breakthrough (2024-2025)
During his single season with Cedevita Olimpija, Beringer established himself as one of the top rim protectors in the regional league. He led the ABA League in blocks during the 2024-25 season, showcasing his defensive instincts and timing at the center position. His ability to alter shots and protect the basket made him a valuable piece for the team.
Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija win the Slovenian Basketball Cup for the 2024-25 season. He also contributed to the team capturing the Slovenian League championship that same year. These accomplishments demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure situations and deliver when the stakes were highest.
Minnesota Timberwolves Era (2025-Present)
Beringer entered the 2025 NBA Draft and was selected 17th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His selection represented a significant milestone for a player who had only been playing basketball for a few years. He debuted for the Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Summer League, showing glimpses of the potential that made him a first-round pick.
On April 12, 2026, Beringer recorded a career-defining performance with a double-double that included a career-high 24 points, a career-high 12 rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks. This game showcased his two-way potential and gave fans and analysts a glimpse of what he could become at the NBA level.
During the 2025-26 season, Beringer also appeared on assignment with the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League, where he continued developing his game and adjusting to the professional pace of American basketball.
Driving Style and Strengths
Beringer plays the center position at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) and weighs 230 pounds (104 kg). His physical profile gives him the length and size to protect the rim and contest shots at a high level. His standout skill is shot-blocking, having led the ABA League in blocks during his professional debut season. His late transition to basketball means he continues to refine his offensive repertoire while his defensive instincts already translate effectively to the professional game.
Notable Events and Milestones
His rapid ascent from youth football to professional basketball in Europe represents a unique path to the NBA. Winning a Slovenian League championship and cup double in his first professional season established his winning credentials. Being selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, 17th overall, by the Minnesota Timberwolves marked the culmination of his meteoric rise. His career-high 24-point, 12-rebound, seven-block performance in April 2026 served as a statement game demonstrating his potential as a two-way player in the NBA.
Joan Beringer Career Wins
Across his professional career spanning the Slovenian Basketball League and the ABA League, Beringer has accumulated significant accomplishments in a short span. His career began in 2024 and quickly produced team championships and individual recognition at the regional level.
Slovenian Basketball League Highlights
Beringer helped Cedevita Olimpija capture the Slovenian Basketball Cup during the 2024-25 season. He also contributed to the team winning the Slovenian League championship that same year. These dual titles represented the peak of his European career before entering the NBA.
ABA League and Individual Recognition
During the 2024-25 season, Beringer led the ABA League in blocks, earning individual recognition as the league’s blocks leader. This accomplishment highlighted his defensive impact at one of Europe’s most competitive regional leagues.
Joan Beringer Family
Family Background
Beringer was born in Sélestat, France, to a father of Alsatian descent and a mother from Benin. This multicultural background has shaped his identity as a French athlete with heritage connecting him to both European and West African cultures.
Personal Life
At 19 years old, Beringer continues to focus on his developing basketball career. He moved from Strasbourg to Ljubljana to pursue his professional basketball ambitions and now continues his career in the United States with the Minnesota Timberwolves organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Beringer’s rookie year in the NBA following his selection in the first round of the NBA Draft. His transition from European basketball to the NBA required adjustment to a faster pace and greater physical demands. He made his professional debut with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Summer League, using that exhibition platform to acclimate to NBA style of play.
Throughout the season, Beringer split time between the Timberwolves and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, allowing him to accumulate valuable minutes and experience. His April 2026 career-high performance demonstrated his growing comfort level and ability to contribute at the NBA level.
Looking ahead, Beringer represents a long-term investment for the Minnesota Timberwolves organization. With his physical tools, defensive instincts, and room to grow given his relatively short time in basketball, he possesses the foundation to develop into a impactful NBA center. His four-year contract with the team provides organizational stability as he continues his development.