NBL 2023: Seven-foot-three teen Rocco Zikarsky chooses NBL Next Star program over US College

Seven-foot-three teen Rocco Zikarsky is literally Australian basketball’s next big thing – and he has selected the NBL’s Next Stars program as his path to the NBA.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 8: Rocco Zikarsky 16-year-old basketball star from Queensland, he has already played on the international stage and is already been touted as an NBA prospect. Trains at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman // Jamie Hanson – Sunday Mail

One of the brightest talents in Australian basketball – seven-foot-three teen Rocco Zikarsky – will begin his professional career with the Brisbane Bullets as an NBL Next Star.

At just 16, Zikarsky has the potential to join the ranks of Australia’s great big men – an illustrious group that includes new Bullets teammate Aron Baynes as well as NBA champions in Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut.

Currently a scholarship holder at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, the gifted teen has penned a multi-year Next Star deal, as he looks to develop his game and take the next giant leap in his career.

Despite his age, Zikarsky has already been on NBA team radars thanks to outstanding performances with Australia’s junior national teams and throughout other junior championship tournaments.

Rocco Zikarsky has turned his back on the US College basketball system in favour of the NBL, signing with the Brisbane Bullets. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman // Jamie Hanson – Sunday Mail

The proud Queenslander considered the US College route, but opted to join the NBL’s proven Next Stars pathway to prepare him for the 2025 NBA draft.

“I’m really excited to start my professional career and chose to sign with the Bullets because of the coaching and the community. I grew up in the basketball community in South East Queensland, so to me it was a no-brainer,” Zikarsky said.

“I watched my first Bullets game back in 2017, and ever since then I fell in love with the game, so it’s a full circle moment.

“Being from South East Queensland and being given the opportunity to don a Bullets jersey is a great honour.

“I‘m really looking forward to getting an opportunity to play with some of the world’s best and also looking forward to playing against my former teammates from the COE in Toohey (Alex Toohey) and Henny (Ben Henshall).”

Duke has expressed interest in 2025 7’3 Australian 4⭐️ Rocco Zikarsky, per @247HSHoops.

👀👀pic.twitter.com/yIQf8zLJ3T

— Ryan Lommen (@TheDukeNation) July 6, 2023

Since January last year, Zikarsky has been developing his game at the NBA Global Academy, under the tutelage of Technical Director Marty Clarke and his staff.

Throughout that time the Queensland native has performed well at numerous elite domestic and international events.

He averaged 13.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.1 blocks for Australia at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the floor. He led the tournament in blocks, finished fifth in scoring and sixth in rebounding. He also had a strong showing at the 2022 FIBA U16 Asia Cup, where he was named a member of the All-Tournament Team.

Representing Queensland South at the 2023 U18 National Championships, Zikarsky amassed an impressive 19.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 4.2 blocks per game. He also played up an age group at the 2023 U20 National Championships, recording 13.7 points, 10 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game as a member of the NBA Global Academy team.

Zikarsky has played seven NBL1 East games this season for the Centre of Excellence.

“This is undoubtedly the biggest, and arguably the most talented, contingent of Next Stars we have ever had, and Rocco’s signing takes it to another level,” NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

“This is a significant coup for us. We firmly believe Rocco has the potential to be one of Australia’s next basketball superstars.

“For him to commit to the NBL this early, further shows the trust and respect players from all around the country and in fact the world have for our Next Stars program.

“The Next Stars has produced several NBA players already and young Australians, such as Rocco and Alex Toohey, are now viewing the program as the best stepping stone.”

2025 4⭐️ Rocco Zikarsky tells me he’s been hearing from these schools recently:

Duke
Michigan
Iowa
Florida
Arizona
Gonzaga
Georgetown
Utah
St. Mary’s

Zikarsky is a 7-3 big-man out of Australia. He recently jumped to #13 in @On3sports newest rankings. A name to watch in 2025. pic.twitter.com/jVuLUjcYnN

— 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) July 6, 2023

Bullets coach Justin Schueller said it is “really exciting” for the club to sign Zikarsky – a player he has coached in the junior ranks.

“I had the pleasure of coaching Rocco at the World Championships last year and saw that he was one of the best bigs for his age at that point and now to be his first coach at a pro level is really exciting individually and for the club,” Schueller said.

Rocco Zikarsky during the Under-18 National Championships earlier this year. Picture: Taylor Earnshaw Photography

“That’s what the Next Stars is about, progressing athletes through and getting him ready for the next stage. We just can’t wait to have him day in and out with us and seeing that progression.

“For him to start his professional career in his home state, in front of his family and friends is something special, and for us as a club we want QLD kids coming through to know there’s a vessel for them to go and chase their dreams.”

The Next Stars program has become a proven and consistent pathway to the NBA, producing five draft picks in the last four years including LaMelo Ball (pick 3, 2020), RJ Hampton (pick 24, 2020), Josh Giddey (pick 6, 2021), Ousmane Dieng (pick 11, 2022) and Rayan Rupert (pick 43, 2023).

Zikarsky is the seventh Next Star signing and joins Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings), Bobi Klintman (Cairns Taipans), AJ Johnson (Illawarra Hawks), Ariel Hukporti (Melbourne United), Mantas Rubstavicius (New Zealand Breakers) and Alexandre Sarr (Perth Wildcats).

Brisbane’s season begins on Friday, September 29, against Adelaide.

Originally published as NBL 2023: Seven-foot-three teen Rocco Zikarsky chooses NBL Next Star program over US College