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. With the season now five rounds in, the Next Stars are looking as comfortable as ever on NBL courts, and continuing to post impressive numbers on a weekly basis.

Next Star Watch

Trentyn Flowers – Adelaide 36ers

It was a tremendous weekend for the 36ers, who continued their in-season resurgence with a win over the Breakers on the road. Despite the addition of Dejan Vasiljevic hurting his minutes, Flowers still had a crucial cameo in the win, and is a go-to weapon for coach CJ Bruton.

In just six minutes of action, the high-energy guard produced six points and two rebounds on a perfect 2/2 shooting from the field and 2/3 shooting from the free throw line. Flowers demonstrated that he does not need much action to have an impact, and can still play an important role for Adelaide.

Ariel Hukporti – Melbourne United

Hukporti’s strong and consistent level of play have ensured he retained the starting center spot once again, and the Next Star helped United to another 2-0 weekend, and has played a crucial part in getting the team to a six-game winning streak. Although he now shares minutes with Jo Lual Acuil, the 21-year-old is still able to make a difference in the paint whenever on the court.

In Melbourne’s first win over the JackJumpers, Hukporti made the most of his 16 minutes, flirting with a double-double to finish with eight points, nine rebounds and a block. He backed it up with seven points and 10 boards in the win over Illawarra, and is one of the most dominant big men in the league.

AJ Johnson – Illawarra Hawks

Although his minutes were limited, Johnson still provided a spark across Illawarra’s two games when Jacob Jackomas gave him an opportunity. He was particularly strong in the team’s shock win over the Taipans, delivering three points (from an and-one) and two boards in just four minutes of play.

Bobi Klintman – Cairns Taipans

After an extended layoff from NBL action after participating in some NBA preseason games, Klintman and the Taipans returned for two games over the week. The Next Star looked like he had not missed a beat, producing a pair of eye-catching performances.

In the loss to the Hawks at the buzzer, Klintman came off the bench to hit the glass with seven boards to go with three points and a steal. He was moved into the starting lineup for the team’s win over the Kings on Saturday night, and was one of the best players on the court with 17 points and eight rebounds, continuing his excellent campaign.

Mantas Rubstavicius – New Zealand Breakers

Rubstavicius had some meaningful minutes for the Breakers in a disappointing weekend from a team perspective, and appears to be taking on a bigger role for New Zealand. The European shooter may have only delivered five points in two games, but he looks extremely dangerous from both mid-range and three-point territory, and once he finds his rhythm in the NBL, bigger games will come.

Alexandre Sarr – Perth Wildcats

The French phenom has been a shining light for Perth as the team weathers a disappointing campaign to date. He remains one of the best shot blockers in the NBL, showcasing his athleticism to protect the paint, which has been under a lot of pressure at times. He could be a bit more aggressive with ball in hand given his own ability to attack the rim, but still had five points, two rebounds, one assist and one block in the loss to the Bullets.

Alex Toohey – Sydney Kings

It might not have been his most accurate night from the field in the loss to the Taipans, but Toohey remains in the starting lineup. Given the return of DJ Hogg over the weekend, he may find himself coming off the bench in the coming weeks. However, Toohey’s signature work on the glass and attacking the rim were still on display with four points and three rebounds.

Rocco Zikarsky – Brisbane Bullets

Zikarsky had a pair of important cameos off the bench over the weekend, with the big man putting in some valuable backup minutes behind Tyrell Harrison. His best showing was against the Wildcats on Friday night, where he was a force defensively, producing two blocks and a steal to go with two points and four rebounds. Zikarsky backed it up with four points and three boards in just five minutes of action.