The NBL Next Star program is an initiative the NBL started prior to the 2018-19 season. The pathway is designed to provide young athletes with a pathway outside of traditional basketball pathways with specialist training, exposure, a proven track record and correct team recruiting to place each young athlete in the best situation for them to thrive and grow.
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Since its inception that NBL Next Star program has seen 21 former players come through the program with four currently in the program this season.
There have been 14 out of the 21 drafted so far and a further two signed to NBA teams post the NBA Draft. Some of the 14 players include LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, Alex Sarr and most recently Alex Toohey. As of right now the highest draft pick a NBL Next Star has been taken was former Perth Wildcat Alex Sarr who was picked with the second pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards.
The question now though, where are they now? Who is still in the NBA? Who is overseas and who has returned to the NBL?
We take a look into the NBL Next Star classes from 2018-2025.
2018-19 NEXT STAR CLASS
Brian Bowen II – Stockton Kings
The first official NBL Next Star, Brian Bowen II, suited up for the Sydney Kings, playing 30 games in what became a landmark moment for the league. Former NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger described it as a pivotal step for the program, stating:
“We set up the Next Stars program to give young players like Brian an opportunity to develop their game in a highly professional league – and there’s no doubt he greatly benefited from his season with the Kings.”
Since leaving the NBL, Bowen has spent the majority of his career in the NBA G League, representing several teams and most recently joining the Stockton Kings. Last season, he appeared in 27 games, averaging 6.9 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field, contributing to Stockton’s championship-winning campaign. He also played alongside former Perth Wildcats import Mason Jones.
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Brian Bowen II of the Kings during the Round 8 NBL match. (AAP Image/David Rowland)Source: AAP
2019-20 NEXT STAR CLASS
LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball is arguably one of the most influential players in NBL history. While he only spent one season in Australia, it was a campaign that brought global attention to the league. His time with the Illawarra Hawks was truly special – Ball averaged 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game, dazzling crowds with his vision and flair.
After leaving Australia, Ball was selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft. Since then, he’s gone on to win Rookie of the Year and earn an NBA All-Star selection in 2022. Despite injuries limiting his court time, Ball has proven himself as one of the league’s most dynamic young stars – averaging 25.2 points, 7.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds across 47 games last season. He signed a five-year, $AUD313 million max rookie extension million with the Hornets in 2023.
LaMelo Ball during his time in the NBL. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
R.J Hampton – Free Agent
R.J. Hampton was one of the biggest names to join the NBL alongside LaMelo Ball, helping to truly kickstart the Next Stars program. His time with the New Zealand Breakers was solid, appearing in 15 games before being selected 24th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2020 NBA Draft. His rights were immediately traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he began his NBA journey.
Since then, Hampton has spent time with multiple NBA and G League teams, gaining valuable experience across several systems. To date, he has played 170 NBA games, averaging 6.8 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Currently, Hampton is a free agent, weighing up his next move in professional basketball.
RJ Hampton. (AAP Image/Craig Golding)Source: AAP
Didi Louzada – Sun Rockers Shibuya
Didi Louzada became the first South American prospect to join the Next Stars program, signing with the Sydney Kings and quickly making his mark in the NBL. He was selected 35th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA Draft before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, who placed him in the NBL to continue his development.
Louzada instantly became a fan favourite in Sydney, known for his energy and big-game composure. His most memorable moment came in the 2020 semi-final series against Melbourne United, when he buried a game-sealing three-pointer in Game 1. He spent two seasons with the Kings, cementing himself as a crowd favourite before making the leap to the NBA.
Since leaving the NBL, Louzada has split time between the NBA and G League, and now plays in Japan for the Sun Rockers Shibuya. Through seven games this season, he’s averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists, continuing to showcase the all-around game that made him a standout in Sydney.
Louzada instantly became a fan favourite in Sydney. (AAP Image/Brendon Thorne)Source: AAP
Terry Armstrong – Toros del Valle
Terry Armstrong was a highly regarded four-star recruit who chose to forgo the traditional U.S. college pathway and instead join the NBL. He signed with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, appearing in eight games during the 2019–20 season before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Although Armstrong went undrafted, he has since built a solid international career, spending the majority of his time playing across Europe and South America. He is currently suiting up for Toros del Valle in Colombia, where he’s averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game to start the season.
Terry Armstrong during his time with the Phoenix. (AAP Image/Martin Hunter)Source: AAP
2020-21 NEXT STAR CLASS
Josh Giddey – Chicago Bulls
Josh Giddey was widely regarded as the first true Australian star to emerge from the NBL Next Stars program when he joined the Adelaide 36ers in 2020. In his lone NBL season, Giddey averaged 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.6 assists across 28 games, recording three triple-doubles – the most by any player that season. He was named NBL Rookie of the Year and led the league in assists per game, establishing himself as one of the brightest young playmakers in Australian basketball history.
Following his standout NBL campaign, Giddey was selected sixth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite missing 28 games during his rookie season, he earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honours and quickly became one of the league’s premier young guards.
After being traded to the Chicago Bulls last season, Giddey has become a central piece of their rebuild. He recently signed a four-year, $AUD153 million contract extension, cementing his place as one of Australia’s biggest basketball exports. Still just scratching the surface of his potential, Giddey is already considered one of the greatest success stories in the history of the Next Stars program.
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Josh Giddey played for the 36ers. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Justinian Jessup – Bayern Munich
Justinian Jessup was selected 51st overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Following the draft, the Warriors opted to send him to the NBL to further develop his game, where he joined the Illawarra Hawks under head coach Brian Goorjian.
Across two seasons with the Hawks, Jessup played 68 games, starting all 30 during the NBL22 campaign. A reliable sharpshooter, he averaged 13.2 points per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent perimeter threats.
After his NBL stint, Jessup moved to Spain before making a brief return to Australia, which was unfortunately cut short due to a pelvic injury after just two games. He now plays for Bayern Munich, one of Europe’s premier clubs, where he’s averaging 10.3 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Justinian Jessup shoots a free throw. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Mojave King – Free Agent
Mojave King first joined the NBL with the Cairns Taipans in 2020 before moving to the Adelaide 36ers the following season. After two years in the league, King was selected 47th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, with his rights later traded to the Indiana Pacers.
Following the draft, King spent a season developing in the NBA G League before returning to the NBL for a stint with the New Zealand Breakers – his third club in the competition. Since then, he has played professionally in Puerto Rico and the New Zealand NBL, continuing to build his résumé.
Currently, King is a free agent, evaluating his next opportunity as he looks to take the next step in his professional career.
Mojave King passes the ball. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
2021-22 NEXT STAR CLASS
Ousmane Dieng – Oklahoma City Thunder
Ousmane Dieng played one season with the New Zealand Breakers before being selected 11th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, who immediately traded his rights to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he continues to play today.
Dieng was the first European player to join the NBL Next Stars program, paving the way for a new wave of international talent to follow his path. During his lone NBL season, he averaged 8.9 points and 3.1 rebounds across 23 appearances, showing flashes of the versatility and skill that made him a lottery pick.
Since arriving in the NBA, Dieng has become part of one of the league’s brightest young teams. Fresh off an NBA championship, he averaged 3.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game last season with the Thunder, while also posting impressive numbers in the G League – 18.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists for Oklahoma City’s affiliate.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Dieng will be eager to solidify his spot in the Thunder’s long-term plans as he continues to develop his game.
Ousmane Dieng. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Makur Maker – Sagesse SC
Makur Maker joined the NBL in 2021 as part of the Sydney Kings, playing a key role in the team’s championship-winning season. In 16 appearances, Maker averaged 7.8 points and 5.9 rebounds, showcasing his size, athleticism and potential as a developing frontcourt talent.
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Maker spent time in the NBA G League, continuing to refine his game against elite competition. He is now playing professionally in Lebanon with Sagesse SC, where he has quickly established himself as an impact player.
Maker was recently linked to a potential return to the NBL, and remains a name to watch in the coming seasons as he continues to build his international résumé.
Makur Maker of the Kings in action. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Tom Digbeu – Stade Rochelais Basket
Tom Digbeu joined the Next Stars program in 2021 after spending a season in Lithuania. The athletic French guard suited up for the Brisbane Bullets, where he averaged 4.6 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game across 19 appearances.
After his time in the NBL, Digbeu returned to Europe and has spent the majority of his professional career playing in France. He is currently starring for Stade Rochelais Basket, where he’s averaging 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game – marking the best stretch of his professional career to date.
Tom Digbeu of the Bullets gets the rebound. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
2022-23 NEXT STAR CLASS
Ariel Hukporti – New York Knicks
Ariel Hukporti made an immediate impact upon joining Melbourne United as a Next Star, quickly earning a reputation as one of the NBL’s most powerful interior presences. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted when he suffered a ruptured Achilles that ruled him out of the 2022–23 season.
Hukporti returned the following year and showcased his resilience, averaging 8.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while anchoring United’s defence and frontcourt rotation. His strong play led to his selection with the final pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
Now part of the Knicks’ young core, Hukporti has appeared in 25 NBA games, averaging 1.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and nearly one block per game in limited minutes. With his size, athleticism and work ethic, he’s viewed as a long-term project piece for a Knicks team firmly in the championship mix.
Ariel Hukporti of United. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Rayan Rupert – Portland Trail Blazers
Rayan Rupert became an indispensable piece of a title-contending New Zealand Breakers side during the NBL23 season, despite suffering a wrist injury early in the year. He appeared in 28 games and regularly took on the assignment of defending the opposition’s most dangerous perimeter player. Offensively, Rupert averaged 6.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1 assist per game, showing flashes of his two-way potential.
Initially projected as a first-round draft pick, Rupert ultimately slipped to the 44th overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, where he was picked by the Portland Trail Blazers and signed to a three-year contract.
Since entering the NBA, Rupert has continued to develop his game on both ends of the floor, appearing in 91 career games to date and posting averages of 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game.
Rayan Rupert of the Breakers. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
2023-24 NEXT STAR CLASS
Alex Sarr – Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr joined the Perth Wildcats as one of the most exciting and highly anticipated prospects the Next Stars program had ever seen. In his debut NBL season, Sarr averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game across 24 appearances, displaying elite defensive instincts and NBA-ready athleticism before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Sarr had already made history as the first Next Star to represent the Wildcats, but took it even further when he became the highest-drafted player in program history, selected second overall by the Washington Wizards.
Now entering his second NBA season, Sarr is coming off a breakout rookie campaign that earned him All-Rookie First Team honours and a fourth-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting. With his rare combination of size, mobility and skill, Sarr is widely viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone for the Wizards.
There is already talk within NBA circles of Washington looking to secure Sarr long-term, as the French phenom continues to establish himself as one of the most promising young big men in the league.
Alex Sarr of the Wildcats. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Bobi Klintman – Detroit Pistons
Bobi Klintman was described by Cairns Taipans head coach Adam Forde as the “modern NBA prototype”, thanks to his size, versatility and two-way potential. Klintman elected to withdraw from the 2023 NBA Draft and joined the NBL to refine his game and boost his draft stock ahead of 2024 – a decision that ultimately paid off.
During his season with Cairns, Klintman averaged 9.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 steal across 23 games, impressing scouts with his length, shooting touch and defensive versatility. His strong campaign led to him being selected 37th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2024 NBA Draft.
In his rookie NBA season, Klintman has appeared in eight games, averaging 1.9 points, 1 rebound and 1.0 assist in limited minutes. However, he’s been a standout in the NBA G League, where he’s posting 11.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game for Detroit’s affiliate team – continuing to develop into the type of modern forward every NBA team covets.
Bobi Klintman of the Taipans. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
AJ Johnson – Washington Wizards
AJ Johnson was initially set to play a major role for a new-look Texas Longhorns team in college basketball, but the athletic and rangy guard instead chose to bring his talents to the NBL, joining the Illawarra Hawks as part of the Next Stars program. Across 26 games, Johnson averaged 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game, showcasing flashes of his elite athleticism and scoring potential.
Although he wasn’t originally projected as a first-round pick, Johnson’s impressive showing at the NBA Draft Combine helped him rise up draft boards. He was ultimately selected 23rd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, before being traded during his rookie season to the Washington Wizards.
In his debut NBA campaign, Johnson averaged 9.1 points, 3.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds across 22 games, starting in 11 of them. Now teaming up with fellow former NBL Next Star Alex Sarr, the Wizards’ young duo has the potential to grow into one of the most exciting tandems in the league.
Still early in his career, Johnson possesses significant upside and untapped potential, making him a player to keep a close eye on in the coming years.
AJ Johnson of the Hawks. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Trentyn Flowers – Chicago Bulls
Former Louisville commit Trentyn Flowers became the record-breaking eighth Next Star to sign ahead of the NBL24 season. The explosive 6’8” wing joined the Adelaide 36ers, bringing a blend of athleticism and shot-making that quickly turned heads around the league. One of his standout moments came in Round 4 against Illawarra, where he exploded for 18 points in the final quarter, putting his full offensive arsenal on display.
Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Flowers was signed shortly after by the Los Angeles Clippers, where he split his rookie campaign between the NBA and G League. He has since joined the Chicago Bulls, linking up with fellow Next Star Josh Giddey and Australian big man Lachlan Olbrich as part of the Bulls’ developing young core.
Flowers continues to refine his game between the NBA and G League, and with his combination of athleticism, length, and scoring instincts, he remains one of the more intriguing long-term prospects to emerge from the Next Stars program.
Trentyn Flowers of the 36ers. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images for NBL)Source: Getty Images
Rocco Zikarsky – Minnesota Timberwolves
Rocco Zikarsky made history as the youngest Next Star ever, signing with the Brisbane Bullets at just 16 years old. Although he wasn’t drafted in 2024, his first official NBL season laid the foundation for what’s shaping up to be a promising professional career. Zikarsky appeared in 27 of Brisbane’s 28 games, averaging 3.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.0 block per game while shooting an efficient 59.7% from the field in limited minutes.
It was during his second NBL season that Zikarsky began to build his reputation as one of the league’s brightest young talents. Though he faced strong competition for the starting centre role behind Tyrell Harrison, his size, rim protection and touch around the basket caught the attention of NBA scouts.
Zikarsky was selected 45th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, before his rights were immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he will suit up for his rookie season. Early reports from Minnesota’s camp have been extremely positive, with the organisation viewing him as a long-term project who could develop into a solid NBA contributor in the years to come.
Rocco Zikarsky of the Bullets. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Alex Toohey – Golden State Warriors
Like Rocco Zikarsky, Alex Toohey was drafted following his second NBL season, having chosen to stay an extra year to further his development. The versatile forward spent two seasons with the Sydney Kings, opting not to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft and instead returning to the club to establish himself as a key contributor. The decision paid off, as Toohey played a pivotal role for the Kings in his sophomore campaign.
Across 30 games, Toohey averaged 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, shooting 45.2% from the field and 30.2% from three-point range. His improved production and consistency caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection with the 52nd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors.
Much like Zikarsky, Toohey enters the NBA as a project player with significant upside. The Warriors have a proven track record of developing young talent from later draft positions, and Toohey will look to follow that path as he begins his professional journey in the NBA.
Alex Toohey of the Kings. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Mantas Rubstavicius – Zalgiris Kaunas
At just 21 years old, Mantas Rubstavicius entered the NBL as one of the most professionally ready Next Stars the program had ever seen. Having turned professional in his home country of Lithuania at just 16, he arrived with years of high-level experience already under his belt.
Playing for the New Zealand Breakers, Rubstavicius averaged 9.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in 19.9 minutes, proving to be a reliable scorer and polished perimeter player.
Rubstavicius went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft but represented the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Summer League before returning to Europe. He is currently suiting up for Žalgiris Kaunas, Lithuania’s most storied basketball club, where he’ll look to make an immediate impact after spending last season out on loan.
Ariel Hukporti of United. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
2024-25 NEXT STAR CLASS
Izan Almansa – Real Madrid
One of the most decorated youth players in international basketball history, Izan Almansa joined the Perth Wildcats as an NBL Next Star for the 2024–25 season, adding another high-profile name to the program’s growing legacy. Across 33 games, he averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting an efficient 51.1% from the field, showing flashes of the skill and composure that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after prospects.
In April 2025, Almansa declared for the NBA Draft, but his season was briefly marred by a setback after testing positive for cannabis following a game on 1 December 2024. As a result, Basketball Australia imposed a one-month suspension, which he served from 7 April to 6 May 2025.
Now back on track, Almansa is playing for Real Madrid, one of Europe’s premier clubs, having signed a long-term contract through to 2029. Still only in the early stages of his professional career, he’s expected to be a major contributor in the EuroLeague for years to come.
Izan Almansa of the Wildcats in action. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
