THERE was plenty of anticipation surrounding the National Basketball League (NBL)’s 2023/24 season for many reasons, including the performances of some seriously talented youngsters.

Through the NBL’s Next Stars program, some of the best prospects in the world have joined Australia’s premier basketball competition in a bid to further their chances of selection at the NBA Draft.

Eight Next Stars will be suiting up this season in an exciting development to the league on the global stage. The third round saw even more breakout performances, headlined by an offensive explosion from one young gun that was heard around the world.

Next Star Watch

Trentyn Flowers – Adelaide 36ers

Although his journey in the NBL to date has been tumultuous at times, Flowers produced one of the best performances in Next Star history. Against the Hawks on Saturday evening, the wing exploded for a superb performance in the fourth quarter, single-handedly driving the Adelaide 36ers to their first win of the season.

He posted 18 of his 23 points in the final term, knocking down four three-pointers in that time as well and outscoring Illawarra 18-10 in the first seven minutes of the period. His offensive eruption was enough to steer the 36ers to victory, and put himself on the map on a global scale, boosting his NBA Draft chances next year as well.

Ariel Hukporti – Melbourne United

Hukporti has been a pillar of consistency for United over the first three rounds, which is a remarkable feat considering he is one of the lesser experienced players on the list. However, he has played a big role in getting Melbourne to the top of the table, and was again solid for the team in its two wins over the weekend.

Against the Wildcats, Hukporti produced 11 points and seven boards, going 5/7 from the charity stripe and proving a handful for the Perth bigs in the process. He then backed it up with 11 points (5/9 FG) and 12 rebounds a couple of days later, feasting on the boards as Melbourne bested the Bullets. He is showing no signs of slowing down, and although his minutes may decrease slightly when Jo Lual Acuil returns, Hukporti’s strong start will force Dean Vickerman to give him considerable court time.

AJ Johnson – Illawarra Hawks

Illawarra coach Jacob Jackomas gave Johnson his most minutes of the season in the opening game of Round 3, looking to inject his side with some energy after a flat start against Tasmania. Although not always effective, Johnson was always looking to create in his 12 minutes of court time against Tassie, putting up shots from all three levels, and while he still has a ways to go in terms of efficiency, still brings plenty of pace.

Bobi Klintman – Cairns Taipans

Had his shot against some of the best talent in the world as the Taipans took on some NBA sides for the NBLxNBA preseason series, and although his side struggled, had some good moments. Adam Forde placed Klintman into the starting lineup in the most recent outing, and he was solid in a side that was bested by superior opposition.

Klintman’s inefficiency from the field was an issue in the opening game, in which the Taipans fell by 63 points to the Washington Wizards, as the young gun made just one of his 12 attempts. While the Next Star still was not the most accurate presence in the final game, he had his best performance against Toronto with nine points and seven rebounds.

Mantas Rubstavicius – New Zealand Breakers

Finally got the all-clear to suit up for the Breakers in their final game of the NBLxNBA series, and looked solid during his debut against the Utah Jazz. He registered nine points on 2/5 shooting in 15 minutes, and looked an extremely deadly presence with his ability to get open from around the perimeter. One to watch when the Breakers return back to the NBL.

Alexandre Sarr – Perth Wildcats

Sarr may not have had the big moments that he delivered in Round 2, but was still a shining light on a tough weekend for Perth. The potential top-10 pick was given big minutes off the bench and was one of his team’s most consistent performers despite two losses in as many games.

Against Melbourne United, he almost delivered a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds, while also protecting the paint with three blocks in 27 minutes. The forward was given slightly less court time against the Kings a couple of days later, and managed just six points and six rebounds, but the shining moments remained.

Alex Toohey – Sydney Kings

The Kings went 2-0 over the weekend, and Toohey was a major factor in this being the case. Earning his starting spot in the team, the Aussie-born product has been a massive positive for the reigning champions throughout the first three weeks and appears to have cemented a big role within the side.

Toohey was immense against an undersized Brisbane side on Friday night, posting 18 points on a remarkably accurate 7/8 shooting from the field. He showed an ability to not only drive and finish inside, but also knock down a shot or two from behind the arc. Toohey backed it up with 12 points and five boards in the win over Perth on Sunday.

Rocco Zikarsky – Brisbane Bullets

With the absence of Aron Baynes due to suspension, Zikarsky was always going to be getting a bit more opportunity, but fell behind Tyrell Harrison and Sam McDaniel in the pecking order, getting 22 minutes over two games. However, Zikarsky’s raw talent meant he was still a physical presence whenever on the court. Friday’s match saw the big man record six points and four boards in 12 minutes in a promising showing.