Built for the big leagues: Why Rocco is bulking up

While Rocco Zikarsky continues his draft preparation, the former Brisbane Next Star has turned heads in recent weeks with his size and frame since competing at the Combine.

"I think I've proven a point," Zikarsky told ESPN about putting on a reported 13.6 kilograms since the beginning of the last NBL season.

"There's more to go. I don't think I'm done yet, but a whole lot of eating and being really strict, and working hard, for sure."

The 18-year-old also measured at 7’3” (221 centimetres) during the Combine testing, which was enough to have NBA eyes intrigued immediately.

Zikarsky admitted that putting on some size was a major goal ahead of the draft, knowing that it will only benefit his transition to the next level when that time comes.

"We didn't just wanna put on bad weight," Zikarsky said.

"Every scout wanted to see me ... be heavier, and play bigger. I guess that's the next step to it. I don't wanna go into the NBA at 220 [lbs]. I want to be a little bigger. I want to be able to bump with the big guys. I'm just trying to do what I need to do."

Zikarsky knows that one of his most impactful assets to a team is his ability to protect the rim and finish on the offensive end, but is hoping that he can become a more mobile big with his size and defend quicker, smaller guards.

"I'm an interior defensive player, it's what I've been doing my whole life, but I want to be able to defend those switches, and be able to guard those more skilled big men, which there are a lot more of in the NBA," he said.

As he continues the rigorous preparation in the remaining weeks before the draft, Zikarsky reflects on how two seasons in the NBL helped get his mind and body ready for the next challenge.

"In my first year, I went up against Aron Baynes and Tyrell [Harrison], and in my second year, I went up against Tyrell every day," Zikarsky said.

"For me, it's two of the biggest bodies in the NBL. Those guys would be considered big bodies in the NBA. It does prepare you; not only physically, but mentally.

"My role was different from when I was in juniors. I'd play 35 minutes a game in juniors, and then I come down and it's the NBL and you've got to earn minutes, and fight for minutes, and you've got to adjust to your role. I've adjusted to my role, and my role's going to be different in the NBA than it was in the NBL."