Top international basketball prospect Rocco Zikarsky will give up his college and professional options in the US and sign with the Brisbane Bullets of the Australian National Basketball League’s Next Star program, he told ESPN on Thursday.
“I decided that the Next Stars opportunity was too relevant,” 7-foot-3 Zikarsky told ESPN. “Being able to train daily with my under-17 Australian national team coaches, along with one of my idols Aron Baynes, in my hometown, for my hometown club, being in NBL, with my family close by, is a dream come true.
“Becoming the youngest player to ever join the Next Stars is just the best. I’m really looking forward to what happens in the future.”
Zikarsky emerged as one of the top prospects in his age group at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup last summer, where he led the block event and placed 5th. in terms of goalscoring record despite playing at the age of 15. He has since then had outstanding show in the Australian U18 and U20 state championships, as well as playing professionally in the Australian NBL1 competition, where he placed third in player efficiency rating (PER) and first in saves. when playing against older opponents.
The son of the German Olympic swimming bronze medalist 6-10th and Australian ironman champion 6-1th, Zikarsky has grown over the past two years at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia, where he has attracted considerable interest from college coaches in the sport. USA. He said that he was recruited by Duke, Gonzaga, Michigan, USC, arizona and multiple schools, as well as the NBA’s G League Ignite program.
“I was overwhelmed, but very grateful to all the college coaches who reached out to me and took the time to chat with me about hiring,” said Zikarsky. “My dad went to USC, so it’s definitely an option that I take very seriously. G League is also an interesting option.”
Zikarsky becomes the second Australian player to commit to the NBL Next Stars program this summer, joining former Gonzaga player Alex Toohey, who decided to change paths and signed with the Sydney Kings last month. The last Australian to sign as the Next Star was Josh Giddey, an alumnus of the NBA Global Academy who was selected No. 6 in the 2021 NBA draft after playing for the Adelaide 36ers.
The Next Stars show has gained traction this season reeling from a number of highly regarded international prospects now slated to be drafted in 2024, including the American bodyguard. AJ Johnson (Illawarra), French major Alex Sarr (Perth), Swedish wing Bobi Klintman (Cairns) and Lithuanian wing Mantas Rubstavicius (New Zealand), while retaining German center Ariel Hukporti (Melbourne).
Zikarsky, who will turn 17 next week, is not eligible to announce his participation in the NBA draft through 2025 at the earliest.
“I’m very excited about the next few years,” said Zikarsky. “I will take this opportunity to work hard to develop my play and skills and learn from more experienced players. I am very fortunate to have trained with the Boomers and the veterans. NBA players. I need to give my best and do almost every session with them, so if and when I’m ready, I’ll be able to make that jump.”
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draftsman, and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by the NBA, NCAA, and international teams.
