A quartet of NBL Next Stars feature strongly in a pair of NBA mock drafts ahead of next week’s event, including Alex Sarr maintaining his status as a top two selection.

Sarr, who is coming off a tremendous season with the Perth Wildcats, is projected to be the second pick to the Washington Wizards according to Yahoo and The Ringer.

The 19-year-old recorded 9.4 rebounds, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 27 appearances for the Wildcats this season, while playing a pivotal defensive role in Perth’s run to the Playoffs.

Yahoo draft expert Krysten Peek, who spent time in Australia watching Sarr and other Next Stars during the NBL season, wrote Sarr is an “elite rim protector with great size and pick-and-pop potential”.

Sarr’s defensive attributes are also highlighted by The Ringer, as respected draft analyst Kevin O’Connor lists on-ball defence, shot blocking, positional versatility, and hustle as four of his top skills. He also wrote Sarr is a “skyscraping wing trapped in a center's body, with a rare blend of size, finesse, and explosiveness”.

Alex Sarr believes he has all the makings of the NBA’s best 📈@NBLNextStars 👀 pic.twitter.com/9CUQQaPqVw

— NBL (@NBL) June 17, 2024

AJ Johnson is predicted to be the 29^th selection by Yahoo and 40^th by The Ringer, with Peek believing the former Illawarra Hawk is the “guard with the highest upside in the draft”.

Bobi Klintman’s strong draft status sees The Ringer projecting him as pick 23, while he sits at 36 on Yahoo’s board. O’Connor says Klintman is “a versatile two-way wing with the skill set and frame to potentially thrive in the NBA”.

Former Adelaide 36er Trentyn Flowers also appears in both mock drafts (34 at The Ringer and 50 at Yahoo), with The Ringer shining a light on his size, fluidity, and athleticism.

The first round of the NBA Draft takes place next Thursday, June 27, Australian time, with the second round to be held the next day.