The Australian basketball league (NBL) has been running a Next Stars program for a number of years, with the aim of enticing high profile draft prospects to play in a what is quite a physical league, and of a high basketball standard. I guess the aim is to see more local youth making the jump to the NBA. Past alums of the program include lottery players like LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng This year's crop looks quite intriguing Trentyn Flowers Ariel Hukporti AJ Johnson Bobi Klintman Alexandre Sarr Rocco Zikarsky* (only 17) (and more) Many of the names above are lottery projected by some 2024mock or other The NBL preseason tournament is underway. So far Hukporti has been very impressive (but is on the older side - injury marred his progress to date). Bobi Klintman didn't have the lift I expected to see, but looks to have a smooth stroke for a large SF Alex Sarr was very impressive against grown men, perhaps forced the action a tiny bit, but fluid for 7'1 and his stroke looks OK. Rocco Zikarsky is the local hero here. He may not play much this year, and I think isn't draft eligible until 2025, but at 7'3 has strong shot blocking instincts, and more skills than you would think with the ball in hand. He logged heavier minutes in the game I saw (backing up Aron Baynes) and was quite impressive. Any other Aussies around, feel free to keep us up to date with your perspectives. One of these guys may be on our radar in June 24
After a few games: Alex Sarr: is good. No surprise he is top 5 on some draft boards. Has an unblockable turnaround from the mid post (shoots it high above his head). Can block shots, can rebound, makes 3s comfortably - his shot mechanics are nicer than 2 weeks ago. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he goes pick 1 by seasons end. New additions: Alex Toohey: I think this guy goes undrafted- but there is perhaps a role he can play in the NBA as a 6'8 combo forward. Foot speed might be an issue, but a smart multi skilled player with good vision. His potential is to develop into a Joe Ingles type. Jaylin Galloway: 6'6 GF. Currently projected to be undrafted. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go mid 2nd when all is said and done. Just gets the job done. Effective and efficient and solid defender with good athleticism and a handy shot. It looks like his scoring will be way up this season, but I would see him more as a 3nD guy (although he may continue to improve?).
Sarr recently (like in the past few months) started moving up draft boards. I was hoping the Rockets could pick him up in the next draft somehow, but damn, we already have a truckload of kids. I watched his highlights last year when looking for info on Wemby. He wasn't a very good 3 pt. shooter at OTE, but at his height did show fluidity and some ballhandling skills. But what impresses most about him may be his defense.
If the Rockets end up in a spot to take Sarr early, I expect they will keep their pick. If the Rockets end up with a good, but not great pick and Clingan is available, I think Rockets might keep pick for Clingan. If they can't get either of those, I expect the Rockets try to trade the Brooklyn pick for 2 futrue protected FRPs. The Rockets have a lot of young guys, but I think these 2 players fit very well with a lot of the young Rockets, but also should have huge trade value if included in a trade (i.e., I don't think these two are like new cars that lose half their value once the car leaves draft night).
Just to give my update: Sarr - let's say he is now a lock for a top 5 pick. I'll say he goes 1. He has all the tools to be the first player from the NBL to be drafted 1st. Bobi Klintman looks like a first rounder. For mine he lacks the bounce to be a lotto pick. Worth looking at with our three 2nd round picks Alex Toohey: plug and play 6'8 swingman. Ariel Hukporti: will be 22 when drafted, so on the older end. But an athletic (40inch vert) genuine 7 footer rim rolling big man. All the tools to be a Capela (lite) type big in the NBA. Has a plus wingspan too.
Nice thread, lots of interesting talent in the NBL and all games are meaningful so any young players (next stars) getting minutes obviously deserve it. It's a very professional league not inflated stats for entertainment.
I watch every Breakers game (I'm in NZ) and another name to keep an eye on is Mantas Rubštavičius. He's only just been injury free the last few games, and he's slowly working his way into the rotation, even starting the last couple of games. He's easily more pro ready than RJ Hampton, Ousmane Dieng, Rayan Rupert and Hugo Besson were when they played for the Breakers. He's not projected as being drafted but wouldn't surprise me if he works his way up draft boards.
I might be a biased Rubstavicius homer, but I think he's definitely a 2nd round level talent at the very least.
Hmm.... the Breakers played the Jazz in the pre-season and the Jazz beat them by 20 and hardly played their starters. The Breakers were led in scoring by ... Anthony Lamb. Oh God. lol. Mantas ended up scoring 9 pts in 16 mins.
Yeah, still a massive step down from NBA to NBL obviously. But Mantas still showed scoring ability even considering limited time with the team and learning the offence etc. He's improved 10 fold since then too
