Aussies Abroad: Next Star makes NBA debut

Former NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky achieved a lifelong dream on Monday AEDT by making his NBA debut.

The former Brisbane Bullet played four minutes off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves in their 135-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

During the four minutes of action at the Target Centre, the Queensland big man collected one rebound and played alongside fellow Australian Joe Ingles.

Zikarsky, who was the 45th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is averaging 12.6 points, 7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a game for the Iowa Wolves in the G League this season.

The 19-year-old recently played in the G League Next Up Game at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.