2025 NBA Draft: Seven prospects from the Australian basketball scene

As the 2025 NBA draft fast approaches, it's time to take a look at the Aussie names up for selection, as well as some talented NBL Next Star imports.

Since LaMelo Ball’s third overall selection in the 2020 NBA draft, Australia has routinely seen strong representation in subsequent editions. With a mix of NBL Next Stars and local products hearing their names called, the nation’s status as a hot spot for basketball development has only gone from strength to strength. Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels both cracked the top ten in 2021 and 2022 respectively, before Alex Sarr went second overall in 2024 - the highest ever result for a Next Star. As we now cast our eyes to the 2025 edition, there are several Aussie names up for selection, as well as a few NBL Next Stars from overseas.

Rankings will be derived from several popular media outlets, all published within the past month - Bleacher Report, ESPN and the New York Times.

1. Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets)

Rankings - 17th (Bleacher Report), 24th (ESPN), 22nd (New York Times)

7’3 behemoth Rocco Zikarsky has long been talked about as Australia’s top 2006-born prospect, and unsurprisingly finds himself listed in the first round on multiple 2025 mock drafts. The Sunshine coast product is an old school big man, offering interior scoring, rebounding ability and rim protection, but also boasts impressive mobility for his size. While Zikarsky has seen an increase in playing time with the Brisbane Bullets this season (from 7.0 to 10.6 minutes per game), his emergence has somewhat been curtailed by the development of Tyrell Harrison, who is enjoying his best season yet.