NBL Next Star Rayan Rupert has firmly established himself as a high-level prospect in the upcoming NBA Draft, and his status as a high first-round contender has been confirmed by the NBA. The 19-year-old has been invited to the green room to attend the event.

A total of 25 players were sent invites, with only Iowa prospect Kris Murray declining.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEWS: New Zealand Breakers wing Rayan Rupert has received a green room invite to attend the NBA Draft with his family, a source told ESPN. <a href="https://t.co/xyAn5joYNh">pic.twitter.com/xyAn5joYNh</a></p>&mdash; Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1671251484087033856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rupert’s is currently being projected to be selected at pick 23 by the Portland Trailblazers, while the Bleacher Report has him at pick 29 to the Indiana Pacers – a team he worked out with last week.

CBS, interestingly, has compared him to former Adelaide 36er Terrance Ferguson, due to his defensive length and ability to guard multiple positions on the NBA floor.

The former Breaker’s strategy approaching the draft has been to ensure he lands on a team where he can make an immediate impact, as opposed to earning the top possible selection, according to ESPN draft expert Jonathon Givony.

“Rupert is being selective with the teams he visits,” Givony reasoned.

“[He’s] prioritising roster fit and strong development situations on playoff-calibre teams, rather than trying to be selected as high as possible.”

The 2023 NBA Draft will commence at 10am on Friday, June 23 AEST.