The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League has once again proven itself as a strong pathway to the NBA, with three of its brightest emerging stars drafted on Friday.
Two NBL Next Stars, Rocco Zikarsky and Alex Toohey, found their way to NBA teams, alongside Illawarra Hawks champion Lachlan Olbrich.
Zikarsky was the first off the board, selected at pick 45 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, via a trade with the Chicago Bulls.
Toohey then turned a dream into reality, with the Golden State Warriors selecting the 21-year-old at pick 52 via the Phoenix Suns.
NBL Next Stars have now been selected in each of the past six NBA Drafts, with a total of 11 players from the program drafted during that time.
Olbrich’s incredible three month stretch was capped off by the Hawks big man being taken with the 55th pick by the Chicago Bulls via the Los Angeles Lakers.
Australian college star Tyrese Proctor also had his name called, landing at the Cleveland Cavaliers with pick 49.
Reports have also emerged Perth Wildcats Next Star Izan Almansa has signed a contract with the Philadelphia 36ers, following the completion of the Draft.
NBL players drafted
Rocco Zikarsky
Pick: 45
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves via Chicago Bulls
NBL team: Brisbane Bullets
Age: 18
Height: 220cm (7’3")
Weight: 117kg
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Alex Toohey
Pick: 52
Team: Golden State Warriors via Phoenix Suns
NBL team: Sydney Kings
Age: 21
Height: 203cm (6’8")
Weight: 101kg
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Lachlan Olbrich
Pick: 55
Team: Chicago Bulls via Los Angeles Lakers
NBL team: Illawarra Hawks
Age: 21
Height: 205cm (6’9")
Weight: 104kg
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