Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

AJ Johnson and Bobi Klintman faced their first NBA tests under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

13 Jul
NBL.com.au

As the 23rd and 37th overall picks at the NBA Draft, expectations are high for NBL24 Next Stars AJ Johnson and Bobi Klintman.

On Sunday, Australian time, they faced their first NBA test under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

But if their debut appearances were anything to go by, the pair will have no issues acclimatising to the level in the world’s biggest league.

>> View daily stats for current and former NBL players and the Australians in action at Summer League

Former Illawarra Hawk Johnson had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists for the Milwaukee Bucks against Chicago, playing alongside a name well known to NBL fans, Jaylin Galloway. 

Klintman was just as influential for the Detroit Pistons, with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists against Philadelphia. 

It was an impressive start from two exciting young talents. 

“It felt great just to be out there and have my first NBA game … there’s no other feeling like it,” Johnson told NBL Media.

“My experience in Australia playing professional basketball helped me a lot.” 

“I just tried to get out there and play hard and play the right way, and when I play that way, a lot of stuff comes easy for me,” Klintman added.   

“It’s a fast tempo in the NBL, it’s a fast tempo league. Having that experience, I feel helped a lot. I felt pretty poised out there … pretty calm.”

NBL23 Next Star Rayan Rupert also impressed in Sunday Summer League action, with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Portland against San Antonio.

Nb L25 App 1920x250

Latest News

Hukporti's advice for Next Star prospects
Hukporti's advice for Next Star prospects

Ariel Hukporti has called Melbourne home for three years, and has issued some words of advice to European prospects.

Feb 23, 2024

All episodes of 'We Got Next' air Sunday
All episodes of 'We Got Next' air Sunday

With no games this Sunday afternoon due to the FIBA Break, we've got your NBL fix sorted.

Feb 22, 2024

Next Stars highlights - Round 20, NBL24
Next Stars highlights - Round 20, NBL24

Take a look back at Round 20 and some of the best plays from some of the world's best emerging talents. 

Feb 20, 2024

Next Stars Wrap - Round 20, NBL24
Next Stars Wrap - Round 20, NBL24

Bobi Klintman, Trentyn Flowers and Rocco Zikarsky's NBL24 campaigns have come to an end after their sides failed to make Finals.

Feb 20, 2024

INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 5)
INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 5)

Get a glimpse into what NBL24 has to offer in the fifth episode of the documentary series: WE GOT NEXT.

Feb 16, 2024

Why NBL stint will give Klintman the "edge"
Why NBL stint will give Klintman the "edge"

Bobi Klintman believes his time in the NBL has helped give him the tools to settle more strongly into the NBA.

Feb 15, 2024

Zikarsky's "champion" mentality
Zikarsky's "champion" mentality

Star Bullet Casey Prather has been impressed with how his young teammate Rocco Zikarsky has adapted to NBL level.

Feb 14, 2024

Bobi Klintman: The Swedish Snake's farewell
Bobi Klintman: The Swedish Snake's farewell

Friday night's clash between Melbourne and Cairns will almost certainly be Bobi Klintman's final game for the Taipans, and the end of an incredible relationship between the Next Star and the Taipans' faithful.

Feb 14, 2024

Next Star Highlights - Round 19, NBL24
Next Star Highlights - Round 19, NBL24

Watch the top plays by the Next Stars in Round 19 of the NBL24 season.

Feb 13, 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.