Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Rocco Zikarsky and Alex Toohey are firming as potential first round NBA Draft selections.

15 Oct
NBL.com.au

Two Next Stars from Australia are currently projected to be selected in the first round at the NBA Draft, per respected journalist Sam Vecenie.

Rocco Zikarsky of the Brisbane Bullets sits at #22, while Alex Toohey of the Sydney Kings is ranked at #24, a testament to his impressive start to the NBL25 season. 

Zikarsky is described as “one of the most intriguing big prospects in the world right now”, and evaluated as “a legitimate 7-3 giant of a human who also moves well and has excellent hands”.

Vecenie’s intel on Toohey couldn't be more clear: “He was the player who I got the most positive feedback on from sources among the younger players who went through the Australian Olympic camp”.

He is rising in any projection and establishing himself as a legit option among the top 30 players in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

The other Next Star projected to be drafted by The Athletic is Izan Almansa with the Perth Wildcats, who is viewed as a potential pick at #54. Teammate Ben Henshall is also viewed as an intriguing prospect, and currently ranked at #53.

Nb L25 1920x250

Latest News

Next Stars Wrap: Almansa steps it up
Next Stars Wrap: Almansa steps it up

A look at how NBL's Next Stars have performed across Round 11 of the NBL25 season.

Dec 10, 2024

Next Stars Wrap: Toohey takes over
Next Stars Wrap: Toohey takes over

A look at how NBL's Next Stars have performed across Round 10 of the NBL25 season.

Dec 2, 2024

Next Stars Wrap: Zikarsky impresses champion Boomer
Next Stars Wrap: Zikarsky impresses champion Boomer

A look at how NBL's Next Stars have performed across Round 9 of the NBL25 season.

Nov 18, 2024

Next Stars answer international call
Next Stars answer international call

Karim Lopez and Izan Almansa will be representing their National Teams in the upcoming FIBA window, joining Rocco Zikarsky.

Nov 12, 2024

Next Stars Wrap: The start of something big
Next Stars Wrap: The start of something big

A look at how the NBL's Next Stars have performed across Round 8 of the NBL25 season.

Nov 12, 2024

What makes Malique unique
What makes Malique unique

"He can guard point guards, he can guard two guards, he can guard small forwards. He’s very versatile defensively."

Nov 6, 2024

Next Stars Wrap: Lopez draws Dr. J comparisons
Next Stars Wrap: Lopez draws Dr. J comparisons

A look at how the NBL's Next Stars have performed across Round 7 of the NBL25 season.

Nov 4, 2024

Next Stars rising ahead of 2025 Draft
Next Stars rising ahead of 2025 Draft

Rocco Zikarsky has been projected as the #17 pick in the latest Mock Draft.

Oct 29, 2024

Next Stars Wrap: Almansa powers Perth to victory
Next Stars Wrap: Almansa powers Perth to victory

A look at how NBL's Next Stars have performed across Round 6 of the NBL25 season.

Oct 28, 2024

For early access and updates, stay up to date with the hottest young basketball talent in the world. Sign up below and never miss a play or the next big moment.

By signing up you agree to the NBL Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The National Basketball League acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live & play. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present & emerging as well as all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community.