It has been a big year for Australians in the NBA, with Dyson Daniels taking out the league’s Most Improved Player award while Josh Giddey enjoyed a breakout end to his first season with the Chicago Bulls.
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Now, a number of their former teammates from the Centre of Excellence could be drafted into the NBA next month.
In fact, a record six Australians have participated in this year’s NBA Combine ahead of the draft, which is scheduled for the 26th and 27th of June at Barclays Center in New York.
Sat, 17 May
Saturday May 17th
From the sophomore standout with a big decision to make to the 7-foot-3 giant with sky-high potential, foxsports.com.au fills you in on the latest reporting and intel on all six players.
ALEX CONDON (Florida)
Starting with that sophomore standout, Alex Condon, who averaged 10.6 points and a team-high 7.5 rebounds per game for the national champion Gators.
Condon only had offers from Saint Mary’s and Utah on the table when he decided to commit to the Gators, averaging 7.7 points and 6.4 rebounds in his first season.
“We thought we got a really good player when we signed him but we weren’t necessarily expecting an All-SEC Freshman or a guy who played 20 minutes a game,” head coach Todd Golden Golden said at SEC Media Day last year.
“So, I think he out-kicked our expectations that way.”
Condon continued to out-kick expectations in his second year, quickly rising up draft boards and, in the process, effectively ruling out any chance of making the switch back to AFL.
Condon had signed with Collingwood as a category B rookie late last year under the agreement that if he was picked by an NBA team, the contract would be voided.
That, of course, looks likely to happen at this stage with Condon widely projected to be a late first-round to early second-round pick.
However, it seems like he is genuinely still torn on whether to enter the draft or spend one final year in college at Florida.
Condon takes part in the vertical leap drill. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Condon takes part in the vertical leap drill. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Speaking to reporters at the combine, Condon said he knows he is “kind of in that 20-35 range” of drafts but said it “has to be a good situation” for him to stay in the draft.
“I’ve got a good situation waiting for me at Florida. I’ve got teammates that I just won a national championship with,” the Australian added.
“The feedback I’m getting from teams right now is positive, and I’m ready to stay in if I need to.”
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello reported that “intel surrounding Condon suggests he is more likely to return” to Florida, although he added “there’s also a chance a team in the first round gets intrigued with his 6-11 size and skill set”.
Speaking of which, it makes sense that Condon watches a lot of Houston Rockets big Alperen Sengun and Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein as two NBA players that offer playmaking at their size.
“They have really good touch games and how they pass the ball and distribute it to the smaller guys is something they do really well and I try to model my game after,” Condon said at the combine.
As for the shooting drills at the combine, Condon made 13 of 25 attempts in the 3-point star shooting drill, 11-of-25 in the spot-up drill, 16-of-30 off dribble and seven of 10 free throws.
Condon talks to media. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Condon talks to media. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)Source: AP
ALEX TOOHEY (Sydney Kings)
Condon was largely expected to be the only Australian generating first-round buzz in this year’s draft class, but that may have changed.
ESPN’s draft expert Jonathan Givony wrote that Sydney Kings Next Star Alex Toohey has given himself a “much stronger case for first-round consideration than he had” entering the combine.
“He measured better than expected, 6-foot-9 in shoes with a near 6-11 wingspan, giving him ample size to slide to the power forward position long-term as his 223-pound frame fills out,” added Givony.
“He has also shot the ball pretty well, especially considering he came in with relatively low expectations as a career 28% 3-point shooter through two seasons in the Australian NBL.
“He hit 61% of his aggregate jumpers in the drills -- toward the middle of the pack of all players -- and surprised by converting 3-of-5 3-point attempts, stepping into open looks with confidence and solid mechanics that leave plenty of room for optimism.
“Toohey also did all the other things he usually does, showing his feel for the game being in the right spots defensively and forcing misses guarding wings and forwards alike while moving the ball unselfishly with his team-oriented style. He was the second-best scorer in his scrimmage’s win, but showed he can contribute in other areas as well.
“Overall, Toohey has helped his standing and has much to gain with another strong showing on Thursday.”
Toohey, who told ESPN earlier in the month that he was “gonna surprise some people” at the combine, has done just that along with — as Givony put it — “doing all the little stuff he typically brings with his passing, defensive instincts and strong feel for the game”.
Toohey told reporters at the combine that improving as a shooter and floor-spacer was a big focus for him, although he also developed into more than just a 3-and-D guy in his second year with the Kings under the coaching of Brian Goorjian.
Toohey told foxsports.com.au earlier this year that the 3-ball was “defining if I had a good game or bad game” in his first season at Sydney, but a sit-down with his new coach gave the 21-year-old a fresh outlook on his role in the team.
“Reflecting on last year and deciding whether or not to go in the draft and stay, I guess I kind of had that intrinsic feeling where I didn’t feel ready,” Toohey said this week.
“I think going back to Sydney for a second year and having a good coach come in and having some high-level players around us, it made me feel a little bit more confident about that second year... I kind of just feel ready now.”
Toohey has boosted his chances of being picked in the first round. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
Toohey has boosted his chances of being picked in the first round. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Although being ready for the NBA isn’t something Toohey and a lot of the Australians at this week’s combine need to worry about given they all spent time perfecting their game in their early teenage years, be it at the CoE or Global Academy.
“Being in that pro environment early on when you’re a teenager, you kind of get to develop those professional habits that you’ve got to carry on for hopefully a long career,” Toohey, who joined the Academy and CoE in 2020, said.
He has also benefited from two years in the NBL, “competing with grown me trying to feed their family”, although Toohey said that toughness is something you will find with all six Australians at the combine.
“We train hard, we play hard, we don’t whinge and make excuses,” he added.
“I think just being hard-nosed players who played different roles, supporting your teammates... and across the board being good people and wanting to win no matter what.”
Toohey made 15 of 25 attempts in the 3-point star shooting drill, 12-of-25 in the spot-up drill, 17-of-30 off dribble and all 10 free throws.
TYRESE PROCTOR (Duke)
While there is a chance Condon could return to Florida, Tyrese Proctor shut the door on any possible return for a senior season at Duke.
“I’ve always said I’m 100 per cent in or 100 per cent out,” he said.
“I’m happy with my decision. I loved being at Duke. I wish I could (go back), but I am 100 per cent in. (Duke) was really good with all that.”
Proctor was once a potential lottery pick, with ESPN projecting him at 12th overall in its way-too-early mock draft in June 2023 before injuries and inconsistent shooting saw the Australian tumble down boards.
With that in mind, it was no surprise to see Proctor tell reporters this week that he hasn’t been paying attention to mocks ahead of next month’s draft.
For what it’s worth, most draft experts seem to have the Australian slotted in the early to mid second round, which makes plenty of sense for any team wanting to take a high-upside swing.
Of course, there are still aspects of Proctor’s game that should set him up to immediately push for minutes in the NBA, led by his perimeter defence while he remains the best shot creator out of all the Australians in this year’s class.
He stands out from the other six as a confident passer and has also made improvements as a shooter both off the catch and off the dribble.
Proctor talks to media. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Proctor talks to media. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)Source: AP
Proctor told reporters at the combine that he watched a lot of Allen Iverson, Jamal Crawford, Jamal Murray and Chris Paul growing up, paying specific attention to their work in the pick-and-roll.
As for an underrated aspect of his game?
“My defence, Proctor said.
“I take a lot of pride in guarding and playing defence.”
There were games during Duke’s run to the Final Four where Proctor’s confidence dipped depending on whether his shots were falling or not, but coach Jon Scheyer was certainly willing to give him a ringing endorsement near the end of the Blue Devils’ season.
Proctor won’t be returning to Duke. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Proctor won’t be returning to Duke. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“For this to happen for Tyrese, to be hitting seven threes and be our key guy and all that after going through all these moments -- like if I’m an NBA team, I’m going after him because you have to handle adversity,” Scheyer said during Proctor’s best stretch of the season.
“I think that speaks a lot to his character.”
You can read more about Proctor’s adversity throughout his Duke career here, but for the time being his focus is on the combine.
Proctor told reporters “being present is a big thing” for him. So there’s no looking at mock drafts or where he could fall, or where he had fallen in the past for Duke.
As for his shooting at the combine, Proctor made 14 of 25 attempts in the 3-point star shooting drill, 12-of-25 in the spot-up drill, 20-of-30 off dribble and seven of 10 free throws.
LACHLAN OLBRICH (Illawarra Hawks)
A genuine bolter.
Olbrich didn’t feature in mock drafts and was 77th on ESPN’s big board but an impressive G League Elite camp and call-up for the combine has rocketed him into contention to have his name called next month.
The Illawarra Hawks championship winner had 31 points and 17 rebounds across two scrimmages at the camp and was a late entrant to the combine, where he continued to announce himself as a name to watch.
Olbrich during the 2024 NBL Blitza. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Olbrich during the 2024 NBL Blitza. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“The 21-year-old showcased his competitiveness and physicality on the defensive end, worked hard on the glass and has been one of the most vocal players in the gym all week,” ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote.
“While not the most skilled offensively, Olbrich showed touch around the rim with both hands and converted the opportunities that came his way. He has proven reliable, if not flashy, like many Australian bigs who have come before him.
“Although he is undersized to play center by NBA standards and isn’t a threat to shoot from long range, there’s plenty to like about Olbrich’s intangibles, feel and understanding of his own strengths as an energy big.
“As an auto-eligible international player, Olbrich has certainly helped his chances of hearing his name called in June, and could be a candidate for a two-way contract with the momentum he’s built in Chicago.”
Olbrich poses with the NBL Championship Trophy. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Olbrich poses with the NBL Championship Trophy. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Olbrich had 13 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block in the first scrimmage of Day 3 of the combine, building on a 15-point, 10-rebound, two-assist effort on Day 2.
Speaking to reporters at the combine, Olbrich — like Toohey — said Sengun is one NBA player he looks to model his game off.
“I really think (we are) similar with how we dribble the ball and use our body to create advantages and finish around the rim,” he said.
Olbrich made 12 of 25 attempts in the 3-point star shooting drill, 15-of-25 in the spot-up drill, 16-of-30 off dribble and seven of 10 free throws.
ROCCO ZIKARSKY (Brisbane Bullets)
There was first-round buzz for Zikarsky entering the year, but he didn’t exactly live up to the hype despite seeing increased minutes in his second season with the Brisbane Bullets.
Nonetheless, the expectation is that the 18-year-old will still hear his name called in the second round of next month’s draft given his sky-high upside at 7-foot-3 with a 7-4 wingspan.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo had Zikarsky as one of his players to watch ahead of this week’s combine, writing that NBA front offices “have been intrigued by his size and unique background dating back several years”.
For reference, Zikarsky’s father won bronze for Germany in swimming at the 1996 Olympics while his mother was an Australian champion ironwoman.
Zikarsky himself once dreamed of donning the green and gold at the Olympics, having won the 50m freestyle at the National School Swimming Championships when he was just 14 years old.
Zikarsky talks to media. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Zikarsky talks to media. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)Source: AP
But on that very same day he took out top spot in the 50m freestyle, Marty Clarke and the NBA Global Academy came calling. The rest is history.
As for how NBA teams view him now after an underwhelming second season with the Bullets, it seems like they still understand that Zikarsky is very much a work-in-progress and one that it is worth being patient with.
After all, the reward could be massive.
“He still has a lot to offer physically, with good co-ordination for his size and the ability to impact shots around the rim,” Woo wrote.
“However, his ability to make a major impact and secure a larger role, stemming partially from his struggles to keep up with faster-paced games, moved NBA teams into wait-and-see mode in his draft timeline.
“... Zikarsky, the tallest listed player invited to the combine, has the stage to remind teams why he’s worth a developmental investment... Zikarsky needs to continue gaining experience, but players with his physical profile aren’t easy to find.
“With this draft light on centers and with a wave of college players expected to return to school for bigger paydays, there’s an opportunity for Zikarsky to help himself with a good showing.”
Zikarsky takes part in the sprint drill. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Zikarsky takes part in the sprint drill. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Zikarsky participated in the pro lane agility and shooting drills, while he also impressed in the standing vertical jump test with what ESPN’s Jonathan Givony described as an “outrageous” 9-foot-6 ½ standing reach.
The 18-year-old made 13 of 25 attempts in the 3-point star shooting drill, 6-of-25 in the spot-up drill, 14-of-30 off dribble and nine of 10 free throws.
“I think of myself as a pretty special talent... if I can show one team, if I can show 10 teams how special I really am that’s all that matters to me,” Zikarsky said when asked if he had looked at any mock drafts.
As for which player he is excited to match up against, the “obvious” answer was LeBron James but Zikarsky also singled out French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
“I watched him this past couple of years and I watched him in his juniors as well and I’m really excited to be up there and be on the floor against him,” Zikarsky said.
BEN HENSHALL (Perth Wildcats)
Another Australian on the draft bubble is Perth’s Ben Henshall, who The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has previously mocked as a late second-round talent while he is 63rd overall on ESPN’s big board.
With that in mind, every minute Henshall plays at the combine is another chance for him to impress scouts and prove he deserves to be drafted.
Ultimately, given he is expected to be taken near the end of the second round if his name is called, it may well be a case of personal preference and team fit when it comes to whether Henshall is drafted.
If he isn’t, the hope is that an NBA team will be quick to offer him a two-way contract or opportunity to impress at the Summer League.
Henshall goes to the basket. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Henshall goes to the basket. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Of course, while Henshall declared for the draft in April, there is still the chance he either returns to the NBL or takes the big money on offer from spending a year in college if it seems like there isn’t enough of a guarantee from staying in the draft.
Henshall had 10 points and three rebounds in the second scrimmage of Day 3.
Speaking to reporters at the combine, Henshall said he wants to show teams he is “more than just a shooter”.
“I can get downhill, hit mid-range shots, and I feel like I can pass the ball too,” he said.
“Just being able to show my complete skill set would be great.”
As for his shooting at the combine, Henshall made 12 of 25 attempts in the 3-point star shooting drill, 14-of-25 in the spot-up drill, 23-of-30 off dribble and all 10 free throws.
Like Toohey, Henshall said that “playing against grown men” for the last two years has prepared him for the increased physicality of the NBA and while it is up in the air as to whether he will be drafted, the 20-year-old is “super proud” to have even made it this far.
Henshall shoots during the 2024 NBL Blitz. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
Henshall shoots during the 2024 NBL Blitz. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I’m going to go through this week with my focus fully on getting drafted. This is where I want to be,” he said.
“This is my dream. I’ll keep focusing on that, and whatever happens, happens.
“It’s been unbelievable. I’m super grateful to be in this position. It’s something I’ve dreamed about for a while. It’s been a great week so far.
“I got a chance to play some games and do all the shooting drills you see on TV. It’s exactly what it looks like in real life.”