THERE has been plenty of hype surrounding the 2022/23 NBL campaign of New Zealand Breakers Next Star Rayan Rupert, and it seems the young gun has finally found his feet in the competition after a shaky start.

Rupert looked set to take the league by storm when he produced a couple of dominant offensive performances in the Blitz preseason competition, but has been unable to replicate these feats since the regular season fixture began. He did not score in double-digits in his first few outings as the team looked to other options on the offensive end.

However, he delivered a pair of strong outings in Round 3, and helped his side get on a three-game winning streak with his natural ability to find the bottom of the net.

Rayan Rupert in Round 3

vs. SEM Phoenix – 10 points (4/11 FG), six rebounds, three assists
vs. Illawarra Hawks – 11 points (4/9 FG), four rebounds, one assist

It was Rupert’s most consistent effort since joining the Breakers, moving into the starting lineup and having an immediate impact on the team’s success.

As many had predicted, with more minutes would come greater success for the NBA Draft hopeful, who is projected to be selected in the lottery of next year’s draft crop. It all kicked off on Saturday night, when he produced 10 points for the first time in the 2022/23 season.

Rupert has shown in the past that he is not afraid to put up a shot, and now that he is in the starting lineup with a number of other scorers, the defence puts lets pressure on him so his looks are vastly improved.

Three-point shooting was a bit of an issue, but his wingspan and size allow him to drive into the lane and finish over the top of the opposition. His midrange shot and rebounding are also boosted by his long reach, and the youngster is starting to take full advantage of this.

Rupert backed it up with another solid outing against the Hawks on Monday night, as his side claimed a blowout win. Rupert played significantly less minutes, but his impact was just as good. In 24 minutes of action, he produced 11 points on some extremely accurate shooting from inside the arc (4/6 2PT), and hurt the defence with his knack for pulling up in midrange territory. He proved an invaluable part of the Breakers starting lineup, conjuring a bucket when the defence collapsed on some of the bigger names on the team.

Rupert has been crucial in the Breakers getting to a three-game winning streak (a feat they have not claimed in quite some time), and appears to have found his feet within the competition. If he can continue his development and shotmaking ability, it will boost not only his NBA Draft prospects, but the team’s chances of a successful season. Either way, he appears to be one of the brightest young players the league has to offer, and should only improve as the fixture progresses, following the likes of Lamelo Ball and Ousmane Dieng before him.