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 competition now nine rounds in, the league’s best and brightest are now well and truly entrenched within their respective teams and their rotations, with solid numbers being posted on a weekly basis.

Trentyn Flowers – Adelaide 36ers

It was a tough weekend for the 36ers, sustaining two losses in Round 9 and sliding down the standings. However, Flowers still had some shining moments over the two games, particularly in his team’s second match. In the round opener against the Breakers, the young gun had just four minutes and one point.

His opportunity increased a couple of days later, and although Adelaide was convincingly beaten by Tasmania, Flowers was a highlight with six points and five rebounds, never relenting in his attack on the hoop. In fact, he had the most important play of the game for Adelaide, registering a dunk in the final minute to ensure the 36ers avoided their lowest ever score.

Ariel Hukporti – Melbourne United

The NBL was given a bit of a shake when United sustained a surprising loss at home to the Taipans on Sunday afternoon, but Hukporti was one of his side’s best. Now fully adjusted to his bench role, the big man had an impactful outing and played a big role in keeping United in the hunt against a firing Cairns side.

In 17 minutes, Hukporti poured in 13 points and six rebounds on an accurate 5/7 shooting from the field. With fellow big man Jo Lual Acuil struggling to make an impact from the field, it was Hukporti that made it count inside, and although he had a rough couple of minutes in the third quarter, his effort in the game was eye-catching for Melbourne.

AJ Johnson – Illawarra Hawks

It was a rough night for Johnson in Illawarra’s one-point loss to the Hawks, but the high-energy guard never stopped trying. He struggled with his inaccuracy from the field, not making a field goal on five attempts, but continued to fire off three-pointers when given the time and space. Although they did not fall, his confidence and ability to keep shooting should ensure he lights it up from behind the arc sooner rather than later.

Bobi Klintman – Cairns Taipans

Having now returned from lingering injury issues, Klintman was solid without being outstanding as the Taipans went 1-1 in Round 9. In the loss to the Bullets on Friday night, the forward poured in six points (3/6 FG) and two rebounds in 14 minutes. A couple of days later, the Taipans upset the ladder-leaders and Klintman was in the thick of it with eight points (3/7 FG), three rebounds, an assist and a steal. His minutes also increased, which is a trend that should continue in the coming weeks.

Mantas Rubstavicius – New Zealand Breakers

Returning after a leg injury, Rubstavicius’ ability to create for himself and others was present across New Zealand’s two matches in Round 9. In the win over Adelaide on Thursday night, the forward delivered one point, one rebound and three assists, with his class on show despite underwhelming numbers. He hit the scoreboard in a big way a couple of days later against the Phoenix, making the most of his 20 minutes of court time with 11 points (4/6 FG, 2/3 3PT) to go along with one rebound and one assist in one of his most encouraging outings of the season.

Alexandre Sarr – Perth Wildcats

Sarr was one of Perth’s best in an enthralling battle against the Kings on Friday night, in which the Wildcats emerged nine-point winners. Although Bryce Cotton was the star of the show, Sarr’s showing off the bench was crucial in getting Perth over the line, and talks of the talented Frenchman reaching the pointy end of next year’s NBA Draft will only heat up on the back of performances like this.

In the win over Sydney, Sarr delivered 15 points, five rebounds, two steals and an assist in a tremendous display considering he had just 16 minutes of court time. Although he is just 18 years of age, the forward plays like a 10-year veteran, showcased by his excellent accuracy as he shot 6/8 from the field. He also delivered one of the highlights of the season with a big contact dunk over DJ Hogg, further demonstrating his exceptional athletic profile.

Alex Toohey – Sydney Kings

Toohey and the Kings fell to the Wildcats at RAC Arena on Friday night in a captivating match, but the Aussie forward still had his moments. He finished the game with nine points (3/10 FG), five rebounds and three assists, and his ability to rotate defensively gave Sydney’s lineup much more versatility. Despite his numbers being lower than in the past, his skillset was certainly on display.

Rocco Zikarsky – Brisbane Bullets

In an important weekend for the Bullets in the context of their season, Zikarsky had some big moments and was certainly a key player. Brisbane went 2-0 over the course of Round 9, and the big man did enough to catch the eye in those wins. In the victory over the Taipans, Zikarsky did not need much time to make an impact, registering six points, three rebounds and a block in just seven minutes of action. In Sunday’s one-point triumph over the Hawks, he had just the one point and three boards, but ensured the paint was convincingly protected.