Adelaide’s Lachlan Olbrich drafted to the NBA by Chicago Bulls, just over a year after the shock death of his father Greg Olbrich

Just over a year after the sudden death of his father, SA basketball great Greg, Lachlan Olbrich is heading for the NBA, joining Josh Giddey at the Chicago Bulls.

Lachlan Olbrich’s stunning rise to the NBA would have left his father Greg beaming, older brother Mitch says.

The Olbrich family gathered at mum Jill’s Woodcroft home on Friday to hear Lachlan’s name called with the 55th pick in the NBA draft, the 21-year-old joining fellow Aussie Josh Giddey at the Chicago Bulls.

Mitch said dad Greg, whose death in March last year rocked the family and sent shockwaves through the SA basketball community, was the boys’ rock.

“He was a big influence on us – never had a negative thought in his head or word to say about anyone,” Mitch said.

“Dad probably wanted it (the NBA for his son) more than Lachy did, sometimes, it’d be fair to say.

“He would be so proud, absolutely beaming, ear-to-ear.”

Mitch, who is also beginning a new career at the Police Academy, said the backyard battles with Lachy were epic.

“We played against each other constantly and it was always competitive, many arguments were had, but that’s part of growing up,” he said.

“He’s killing it and he’s so dedicated to his craft and he’s always been like that.

“We’re absolutely stoked mate, dream come true for him.”

Lachlan Olbrich will wear number 47 after being drafted by the Chicago Bulls basketball team. Picture: Chicago Bulls Instagram

Lachlan’s parents Jill and Greg Olbrich.

Adelaide 36ers legend Scott Ninnis said there was a “tinge of sadness” that goes with the joy of seeing Lachy drafted, given Greg was not here to see it.

“I think that’s the thing we’re all thinking about, how proud Greg would have been of Lachy,” Ninnis said.

“I remember speaking with him when I got back involved with the Sixers (Ninnis coached Adelaide in 2023-24), he was saying ‘I’d love for him to come and play with the Sixers at some stage after his NBA career’ — he was that sure Lachy was going to make it.

“There’s a tinge of that sadness that the old boy didn’t get to see Lachlan’s name get called out.

“I’m sure he’s looking down on Lachy and he would be very proud.”

Ninnis revealed he’d sent Lachy a good luck message prior to the draft.

“I’ve always rated him and always thought he’s a pretty special talent,” Ninnis said.

“To see one of those lifelong dreams come to fruition is incredible for a kid from Adelaide.

Olbrich’s former coach Dean Nyberg said that Greg would be “over the moon”.

Lachlan Olbrich in action for Illawarra Hawks in March. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Greg Olbrich. Picture: Cathy Davis

“He was Lachy’s biggest advocate and supporter. Greg would be beyond proud,” he said.

Nyberg was one of Olbrich’s junior development coaches at Southern Tigers, a small basketball club south of Adelaide, and also coached him at West Adelaide in NBL1 in 2023.

He spoke to his old protege on the phone on Saturday morning and said Olbrich was already focused on making the Bulls’ playing roster.

“He was stoked. He was confident he’d be selected somewhere but it was still a bit of a relief. In his very pragmatic way, he was already thinking about what’s next and putting his best foot forward,” Nyberg said.

Nyberg said Olbrich was “always singularly focused” on basketball and making it to the NBA.

“He’s one of the hardest working young players I’ve ever seen,” he said.

“He had been overlooked as a junior but his work rate, even as a young kid, was phenomenal and really stood out.”

It’s another remarkable story for the Southern Tigers, which has now spawned a fourth NBA draft pick, following Mark Bradtke, Luke Schenscher and Joe Ingles.

“They’ve got a fair pedigree,” Ninnis said.

“That’s their fourth NBA guy.”

Joe Ingles in action for Minnesota in the NBA earlier this year. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Tigers president Gavin Miller, whose sons Josh and Cameron went to school with Lachy at Reynella East College, said Olbrich’s sporting talent was identified early on.

“I think, from a biased opinion, we did think he’d make it to the NBA one day,” Miller said.

“You never really know, but he was still in Year 12, which is only five years ago, and he had to decide whether he was going to be a volleyballer or a basketballer.

“That’s what really triggers in my mind when I think about Lachy, just how talented he’s been for so long and how he’s made the most of his opportunities

“And the best thing about him is he’s a really nice lad.”

Miller said there was a buzz at the club, with a fourth NBA name on its honour role.

“The club takes great pride in the pathway it has created for juniors not just to aspire to, but make the NBA,” Miller said.

“When you walk into our stadium we’ve got life-sized cut outs of Joe and Luke Schenscher, and kids can stand next to them and see how they measure up

“We named our court after Joe Ingles last year. It has his signature on it and hopefully one day we’ll have a Lachy Olbrich stadium.”

A special night was planned at Morphett Vale Basketball Stadium on Saturday night, celebrating news of Olbrich’s achievement during the Tigers mens and womens NBL1 Central clashes with Central Districts.

Originally published as Adelaide’s Lachlan Olbrich drafted to the NBA by Chicago Bulls, just over a year after the shock death of his father Greg Olbrich