Adelaide coach CJ Bruton has revealed the 36ers were in the hunt for a Next Star to represent the side in NBL24 and, while the door on their initially targeted player has closed, they’re still exploring their options.

The 36ers are currently holding an invite-only trial camp to fill out their final three development player spots, alongside Sturt guard and former California Baptist Lancer Keanu Rasmussen.

Adelaide has had two Next Stars within its ranks in the past - Mojave King - who has since gone on to represent the NBA G-League Ignite and is currently ranked as the 71st best available player in the upcoming NBA Draft - and Josh Giddey.

“We’ve identified quite a few players, as you’ve seen so far,” Bruton said of his side’s roster build. “We’ve still got some ways to go.

“We were looking at a Next Star which fell through the ranks, but there are other Next Stars that are still available, so we’ll take our time to pick our players that fit our group and will help us in the long run.”

One of the over 20 players currently looking to impress Bruton and the 36ers staff is NBL23 development player Fraser Roxburgh.

Roxburgh made his professional debut aged just 17 in NBL23, and is fighting to earn another season at the club.

He’s not the only high school-aged player looking to find a place within the 36ers’ program though. Sam Hughes starred for South Australia in the U/16 National Championships in 2022, while Patrick D’Arcy represented SA Metro as a bottom-aged player at last year’s U/18s nationals.

“Fraser Roxburgh was in Year 11 when he came to us,” Bruton said. “To have a player like him be identified at a young age … [it’s about] recognizing them early and giving them a chance to be a part of this while they’re still in school and, if not, in the future.

“I want people that want to play for Adelaide to be in Adelaide. That way the Adelaide fans can recognize them, understand who they are and get to support them.

“I don’t like to pigeonhole anybody … you’ve got to be given a window to showcase your skills, believe in your ability, then showcase that in an environment like this.

“Who’s the next kid who can contribute to helping the program, developing, and can someday help the 36ers? And, if not, [can we] still help them in their journey and play a pathway in their success?”

Adelaide’s NBL24 campaign begins on Friday, September 29 against Brisbane.