Alexandre Sarr has been a major discussion point for NBA Draft experts worldwide this NBL pre-season, and the 19-year-old French phenom has experienced a remarkable rise in his draft projection.

The Perth Next Star arrived in the league projected to be selected 20^th overall, but ESPN’s Jonathan Givony now predicts Sarr will be selected with the fourth overall pick.

THE LATEST ESPN MOCK DRAFT

Sarr made his professional debut last night in Perth’s win over Tasmania, where he registered nine points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks in just over 14 minutes.

Taipan Bobi Klintman has also enjoyed a rise in the eyes of ESPN and now sits projected at pick 23.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Strong NBL debut for Alex Sarr this morning with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and the W in 14 minutes. He&#39;s now slated No. 4 on the new ESPN mock draft released today: <a href="https://t.co/vuswTKWLsh">https://t.co/vuswTKWLsh</a> <a href="https://t.co/ieEmJUUAgE">pic.twitter.com/ieEmJUUAgE</a></p>&mdash; Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1707758149292130374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Klintman’s natural size and athleticism make him one of the most intriguing and hard to place prospects in the upcoming draft, with NBADraft.net currently placing him as high as pick nine.

Illawarra’s AJ Johnson is currently also projected at pick 29 to the Boston Celtics.

Third-year Next Star Ariel Hukporti’s impressive form following his return from a serious Achilles injury has seen him move into ESPN’s draft projections for the first time this year.

The 21-year-old centre started Melbourne’s opening round Throwdown clash with South East Melbourne and impressed with his physicality and rim protection. He finished the game with five points, 14 rebounds, a steal and three blocks.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ariel Hukporti throws it down! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL24</a> <br><br>?Watch LIVE on ESPN! <a href="https://t.co/XXKmC1eum1">pic.twitter.com/XXKmC1eum1</a></p>&mdash; ESPN Australia &amp; NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNAusNZ/status/1707348276989894933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He is currently projected to be taken at pick 55.

Australian Duke guard Tyrese Proctor has been placed at pick 14, while rising Illawarra gun Lachlan Olbrich has also made his first appearance on a mock draft at pick 58.