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
