How seven-foot NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky defied challenges to chase his NBA dream

Rocco Zikarsky is blessed with potent sporting genes and a seven-foot-three frame, but he almost left the sport of basketball before he really got started, MATT LOGUE reveals why.

Rocco Zikarsky is the seven-foot-three teen set to become Australia’s next NBA draft star, but he almost walked away from the sport before he even got started.

Zikarsky contemplated leaving hoops in his first season with the University of Sunshine Coast Rip as an 11-year-old.

The budding baller became tired of travelling over two hours to a game, only to do the jump ball because of his height and then sit for the rest of the game.

“I nearly quit because of that,” Zikarsky said.

“That was my first year of basketball before I knew how to play at all.

“We’d go to the game, I’d be good for the jump ball and then I’d be sitting.”

Thankfully, Zikarsky stuck solid with hoops thanks to the devoted support of his parents and coaches.

He credits their backing for fuelling an unwavering belief in his ability.

It didn’t take long for Zikarsky to “fall in love” with basketball – a sport perfectly made for his seven-foot frame.

Rocco Zikarsky was built to play basketball. Picture: Getty Images

The boy from Queensland soon became a success in hoops, but it wasn’t his only passion.

Zikarsky is blessed with potent sporting genes.

Mum, Kylie was a champion triathlete and surf lifesaver while dad, Bjorn won an Olympic bronze medal for Germany in the 4x100m freestyle swimming at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

It’s no coincidence that Zikarsky harboured serious ambition to also become an Olympic swimmer.

He won national medals and wanted to become an “Australian Dolphin”, but in the end basketball won over his heart.

“I was swimming for a long time because my family is full of swimmers,” he said.

“I started picking it up naturally and I really enjoyed it to, but I think there was a point where I couldn’t do both and when the NBA Global Academy (in Canberra) offered me an opportunity and I decided that was the move.”

Zikarsky was also an elite swimmer. Picture: Patrick Woods/Sunshine Coast Daily

Zikarsky will be forever grateful he was raised in a household of high performing athletes.

He says his parents devoted endless hours to instilling him with the right tools, insights and intelligence to excel as a professional athlete.

“They’d never push me to do anything, but they have been places where I want to go, like the Olympics and World titles,” he said.

“There were times when they were just parents and there were times when they were coaches.

“Everything that I want to do and they know how to get there, mindset and physicality wise.”

Zikarsky has two years in the NBL’s Next Stars program.

This will give the 17-year-old more time to hone his skills and body for a legitimate shot at the NBA.

Zikarsky understands – and appreciates – the importance of having two seasons as a Next Star at the Bullets.

“Because these two years could be the biggest years in my development,” he said.

“And there is no place I’d rather be. I’m at home with my family and people I trust and I’m playing against some of the greatest players to ever play.

“To me it was a no-brainer and I wanted to be in Brisbane and at home, so I think it’s really good for my development.”

Zikarsky likens himself as a student of the game.

28 seconds of brilliance 🌟@BrisbaneBullets Next Star Rocco Zikarsky gave us an exciting glimpse into the future during his NBL debut on Friday night 🔮

Learn more about Rocco and all of the NBL Next Star’s ➡️ https://t.co/MkqzTmz7MWpic.twitter.com/nZbUkb75l3

— NBL (@NBL) October 1, 2023

He isn’t the type of bloke who switches off hoops in his downtime – he likes to immerse himself in the sport to become better.

“I think a lot when I’m watching games – sort of like what I would do if I was there and playing,” he said.

“I guess it’s reading the game a different way. I also enjoy watching as well, but it is also about how I can take a facet of the game and turn it into something that I can do or our team can do.”

Zikarsky is fortunate to learn every day from Brisbane coach Justin Schueller – one of the country’s best coaches with experience in the junior ranks.

Schueller has been a part of the Australian junior programs for a decade, holding the head coach position of the Australian under-17s men for their World Cup campaigns since 2017.

The former Melbourne United assistant also coached Zikarsky – a connection that has significantly helped the Next Star signing at the Bullets this season.

“It has been really good to be with a coach like Justin who I’ve had before,” he said.

“I know what he is like, how he operates and I think that’s important to have that trust between the coaches and the players.

“A lot of guys on this (Bullets) team have been a part of a team with Justin on it, so it’s good to have that level of understanding with each other.”

Rocco Zikarsky celebrates during the round two NBL match between Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans at Nissan Arena. Photo: Russell Freeman/Getty Images.

Zikarsky is hoping to be selected in the 2025 NBA draft, which would help him join a long list of Australians in the world’s best league.

He grew up idolising fellow big men like Andrew Bogut and Aron Baynes – now he gets the chance to follow in their footsteps.

“It’s great to see all the Aussie talent that is in the NBA,” he said.

“People are being able to prove that the Aussie pipeline is legitimate.

“That’s helping us get more looks, which is great for the future.”

BRISBANE BULLETS VS TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS AT NISSAN ARENA FROM 4PM AND LIVE ON ESPN AND KAYO

Originally published as How seven-foot NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky defied challenges to chase his NBA dream