NBA Expert Praises NZ Next Star

By NBL Media

ESPN NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony has hailed New Zealand Breakers Next Star Rayan Rupert as one of the top European prospects.

Givony has Rupert ranked second on his list of NBA prospects at the FIBA U18 European Championships, highlighting his vast skillset on the defensive end.

“At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and frame that should fill out considerably, he has incredible potential defensively with the way he hounds opponents the length of the floor, swipes down for steals instinctually and generally makes it tough to dribble the ball anywhere in his vicinity,” Givony wrote.

“He's difficult to shoot over in closeout situations, covers ground well on the perimeter and shows excellent timing recovering for blocks at the rim when beat.”

Rupert averaged 5.0 steals per 40 minutes at the event and was a menace on defence. He should be able to make an immediate impact on a Breakers team that concded the second-most points to their opponent per game last season.

The 18-year-old struggled scoring the ball, but still made a difference on offence, with Givony writing he “moved the ball unselfishly” and showed “some shot-making ability rising up over opponents in mid-range spots and finishing around the basket fluidly with either hand”.

Givony finished his assessment by saying Rupert “should be able to carve out a solid role for himself as a defensive stopper and willing ball-mover” within the Breakers’ system.

New Zealand’s campaign tips-off on October 2 against Melbourne United.

Click here for the full story >> The top 11 NBA prospects at the FIBA U18 European Championship