Rocco gets champion's backing

Champion Australian Boomers centre David Andersen has backed Rocco Zikarsky to make it the NBA, calling on teams to embrace his potential and give the Next Star an opportunity to shine.

Zikarsky is still only 18 years old and boasts two years in an elite-level system at the Brisbane Bullets, where he’s put up solid numbers in limited minutes.

The 7’3” giant declared for the NBA Draft on Wednesday.

“A lot of kids are getting drafted off potential and Rocco has everything you’d want in a big man. Long arms and a body that can still get up and down the floor quite well,” Andersen told Code Sports.

Zikarsky averaged 4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds a game across NBL25, and Andersen says with time and patience, can be a high-level NBA player.

“It (your potentially) usually happens a lot further down the road as a big man,” he added.

“Hopefully NBA teams look at Rocco’s potential and it translates to a high pick in the draft.”

Nine Next Stars have been directly drafted from the NBL to the NBA, with four nominating this year. Zikarsky, Alex Toohey, Izan Almansa and Malique Lewis are all in the mix to be selected.

The NBA Draft will be held on Thursday, June 26.  

Read the full story >> Seven-foot-three teen sensation Rocco Zikarsky tipped to surprise after declaring for the 2025 NBA draft