When NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, called out Alex Sarr’s with the second pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the NBL took a collective bow. It was a milestone moment with Sarr, a Perth Wildcat, the highest ever pick for a player from the League.

It was also a fitting testament to the NBL’s Next Stars program with six players picking up NBA contracts including AJ Johnson, Trentyn Flowers, Bobi Klintman and Ariel Hukporti.

This season, the class of 25 is stacked once again, with some other talented players also looking to make the jump into, or back into, the NBA.

Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets)
Standing at an imposing 7'3", the youngster from down under also known as “Blocko”, is a true centre with immense potential. His size makes him an intimidating rim protector, and he's already showing flashes of offensive prowess with his back-to-the-basket moves and soft touch around the rim. He demonstrates a keen sense of timing for shot-blocking and rebounding, and as he develops, could become a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Some analysts already have the Queenslander inside the Top 10 for next year’s NBA Draft.

Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings)
A versatile forward, Toohey brings a unique blend of agility, skill, and basketball IQ to the table. Standing at 6'7", Toohey can stretch the floor with his outside shooting and attack the basket with finesse. He’s comfortable handling the ball and initiating plays, making him a valuable asset in both half-court and transition settings. Defensively, his length and anticipation allow him to guard multiple positions, and he excels in disrupting passing lanes. Was on fire at the Blitz and will look to continue that form into the regular season.

Izan Almansa (Perth Wildcats)
A high-motor forward from Spain, Almansa is known for his relentless energy and basketball instincts. Standing at 6'10", he thrives in transition and is a powerful finisher at the rim. He’s also a tough rebounder and defender, capable of switching onto guards and contesting shots at the rim. Offensively, Almansa has shown promise with his mid-range shot and ability to run the floor, making him a perfect fit for the NBL’s fast-paced style. As a junior international player, he is described as one of the most successful ever, winning numerous world championship MVP awards.

Malique Lewis (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
As a 6'7" wing, Lewis from Trinidad and Tobago, combines athleticism with sharp shooting, making him a threat on the perimeter and in transition. Lewis is particularly adept at creating his own shot, using his quick first step and ability to elevate over defenders to score. His length and speed also make him an impactful defender, where he can disrupt opposing guards and wings. With his ability to score and defend, Lewis is poised to make an immediate impact in the NBL.

Karim Lopez (New Zealand Breakers)
A versatile 6'8" forward from Spain, Lopez has a polished offensive game with excellent footwork and touch around the basket. He’s comfortable operating from the post or stretching the floor with his jump shot, which makes him a tough matchup for opposing defences. Lopez also displays a high basketball IQ, which allows him to make smart plays in pick-and-roll situations and as a passer. Defensively, his length helps him contest shots and secure rebounds. A two-year prospect, Lopez’s stocks are expected to be at an all-time high come the 2026 NBA Draft.

Roman Siulepa (TBC)
Yet to find a new home after departing the Tasmania JackJumpers, Siulepa is a physical and explosive guard/forward who excels at attacking the rim. At 6'6", he uses his strength and athleticism to finish through contact and absorb physical play, making him a difficult cover for defenders. He’s also a capable playmaker, often setting up teammates with his court vision. On the defensive end, his lateral quickness and aggressive mindset allow him to guard multiple positions, making him a disruptive force.

Keanu Pinder (Perth Wildcats)
A versatile forward, Pinder is known for his high energy, athleticism, and relentless work on both ends of the floor. Standing at 6'9", Pinder excels as a rebounder and shot-blocker, using his length and leaping ability to protect the rim. Offensively, he’s a dynamic player who thrives in transition and is a strong finisher around the basket. He’s also improved his shooting range, making him a more versatile offensive threat. Pinder’s physicality and intensity make him one of the most impactful forwards in the NBL.

Taran Armstrong (Cairns Taipans)
Armstrong is a rising star known for his exceptional playmaking skills and court vision. His ability to seamlessly blend scoring with facilitating for teammates sets him apart. Armstrong's agility and quick decision-making make him a formidable presence on the floor, while his defensive tenacity and basketball IQ contribute significantly to his team’s success. His work ethic and dedication to improving his game continually elevate his performance, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top talents.

Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra Hawks)
A promising young forward, Olbrich stands out for his smooth offensive game and ability to stretch the floor. At 6'10", he is an adept shooter, particularly from mid-range, which makes him a difficult matchup for traditional bigs. He’s also a skilled passer, capable of finding teammates in the flow of the offense. Defensively, Olbrich is a solid shot-blocker and uses his length to contest shots and grab rebounds, making him a well-rounded forward with great potential. He was a standout at the Blitz and is destined for a big NBL25.

Sam Froling (Illawarra Hawks)
A versatile big man, Froling combines size, skill, and athleticism to impact both ends of the court. Standing at 6'11", he is a mobile and agile centre with an expanding offensive repertoire, including post moves, a reliable mid-range jumper, and the ability to finish at the rim. On defence, he’s a strong rim protector and rebounder, able to anchor the paint while also switching onto smaller players when needed. Froling’s all-around game and versatility make him a key player for the Hawks.

Will Magnay (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Known for his elite shot-blocking ability, Magnay is one of the NBL’s premier defensive big men. At 6'10", the recent Olympian with the Boomers in Paris has excellent timing and athleticism, making him a feared rim protector. He’s also a solid rebounder, using his strength and positioning to control the boards. Offensively, Magnay is an efficient finisher around the basket and has been working on expanding his range. His defence-first mentality and imposing physical presence make him a critical piece.

Jack White (Melbourne United)
A hard-nosed forward, White is known for his leadership, hustle, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Standing at 6'7", White is a tenacious defender who can guard multiple positions and excels in contesting shots and securing rebounds. Offensively, he’s a capable shooter from deep and often finds ways to score through movement and hustle. White’s toughness, basketball IQ, and versatility make him an invaluable asset, particularly on defence and in high-pressure situations. A Championship winner with the Denver Nuggets, White is looking to use the NBL to springboard back into the NBA.

Bul Kuol (Sydney Kings)
A dynamic wing, Kuol is known for his defensive tenacity. At 6'7", he also has the ability to knock down three-pointers with consistency while also using his athleticism to attack the rim. He’s an elite defender, often taking on the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s best player, and uses his length and quickness to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. Kuol’s two-way impact and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor make him a standout.

Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings)
Cooks is a prominent figure in the NBL, distinguished by his versatility and athleticism. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is a major asset; offensively, he can drive to the basket, shoot from range, and create opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, Cooks excels with his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, often serving as a key disruptor for opposing offensive units. An MVP of the League, his relentless work ethic, combined with his high basketball IQ and adaptability, makes him a crucial player and a standout performer in the League, and a reason why he earned a contract with Washington in the NBA a season ago.

Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets)
No player has impressed more during the pre-season than Harrison, and he capped off some fine form by winning the Ray Borner Trophy as the tournament MVP at the Blitz in front of plenty of NBA scouts. Injuries hurt the 25-year-old's progress for the best part of two seasons, but after a promising campaign in NBL24, he looks set to game his game to another level this year. Looms as one of the most dominant big men in the NBL this year.

Sam Mennenga (New Zealand Breakers)
A versatile forward recognised for his scoring efficiency and ability to stretch the floor Mennenga mixes size and shooting range to create mismatches, while his agility and basketball IQ enable him to contribute effectively in various situations. His solid defensive capabilities and rebounding add to his overall impact, making him a key player for his team and a promising talent.

Ben Henshall (Perth Wildcats)
Henshall has made a name for himself in the NBL with his exceptional defensive skills and high-energy. Known for his relentlessness and ability to disrupt offensive units, he brings a tenacious attitude to the court. His defensive acumen and hustle play are complemented by a growing offensive game, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. Henshall's commitment to improving and his work ethic make him a player to watch.

Sam Waardenburg (Cairns Taipans)
Known for his strong rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, Waardenburg also offers valuable offensive contributions, particularly with his ability to score in the paint and stretch the floor with his outside shooting. His defensive prowess and versatility make him a key asset, while his commitment to improving his game continues to elevate his performance.

Mojave King (New Zealand Breakers)
An exciting talent fresh from a decent stint in the NBA, King is known for his dynamic scoring ability and athleticism. His explosive drives to the basket, coupled with a smooth shooting touch, make him a significant offensive threat. His quickness and agility allow him to navigate through defences effectively, while his defensive potential and work ethic suggest a bright future in the League. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute in various facets of the game makes him a standout.

Josh Bannan (Brisbane Bullets) 
Bannan has emerged as a notable player in the NBL with his blend of scoring ability and defensive tenacity. His offensive game is characterised by a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for finding the basket, while his defensive skills and rebounding make him a well-rounded contributor. His athleticism and high basketball IQ allow him to make impactful plays on both ends of the floor, establishing him as a key figure in his team’s success.