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

29 Oct
NBL.com.au

Two Next Stars are seen as first-round picks in the latest Bleacher Report's NBA Mock Draft, with Brisbane Bullets big man Rocco Zikarsky and Sydney Kings forward Alex Toohey ranked in the top 30 prospects in the world. 

Draft expert Jonathan Wassermann has evaluated the young stars in this year’s class, and has ranked Zikarsky #17 on the board. He has compared the big man to NBA players like Walker Kessler and Donovan Clingan.

“Hype has been building around Rocco Zikarsky's size, rim protection and touch,” he wrote.

The shooting progress has been noted too: “He has attempted two three-point attempts (made one), potentially an interesting development if it continues after he took two all of last year.”

As for the Kings forward, Wassermann notes that “early signs point to a breakout season for Alex Toohey”.

He is projected to be picked at #26 in Bleacher Report’s Mock Draft.

“Scouts are going to start picturing a plug-and-play wing based on his production against pros and easy-fit offense,' writes the author, comparing Toohey to NBA players Saddiq Bey and Gradey Dick,

These projections are consistent with what other respected outlets like ESPN and The Athletic have been pushing: the two Australian Next Stars are very highly rated by NBA scouts. 

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