THE INCLUSION of the National Basketball League (NBL) Next Stars program has put the competition on the global map in the past five years, now more loaded with talent than ever before.

The program brings some of the best NBA Draft hopefuls down under, competing in a league that is highly regarded around the world and may prove a better indicator of a player’s chances of succeeding at the top level than the college system.

There have been some proven superstars make a name for themselves at the top level after their time as a Next Star, only furthering the hype around the program.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a retrospective look at where the graduates are now and how their respective careers have fared since departing, beginning with the first two years of the program.

2018/19 season

Brian Bowen – Sydney Kings

Bowen was the first official NBL Next Star, after the program was initially built after Terrance Ferguson opted to forego his college career for a stint in Australia. Bowen signed the following season after withdrawing from the NBA Draft, joining the Kings, where he averaged 6.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Following his time in the Harbour City, he became automatically eligible for the 2019 NBA Draft, but was unfortunately not selected. Shortly after, he signed a contract with the Indiana Pacers’ G-League affiliate, before a two-way contract with the team itself after impressing at the lower level, averaging 16 points per game. However, he was waived shortly after.

Since then, he has been on and off several G-League sides, including the Iowa Wolves, Cleveland Charge and Windy City Bulls, and is currently suiting up for the Stockton Kings, where he will be hoping to impress.

2019/20 season

Lamelo Ball – Illawarra Hawks

The highest profile NBL Next Star in history has taken his game to the big stage, but has been unfortunately held back by injuries at times, which has prevented him from reaching his full potential. After single-handedly putting the NBL on the map by signing with Illawarra, Ball not only maintained, but strengthened his draft stock by proving he can outplay fully developed and professional players.

He was drafted at pick three in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, touted as the future centrepiece of their team. Ball won the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year after translating his excellent scoring and passing skills to the world stage, and was named an All-Star the following season.

However, he has missed a lot of time through injury, which has slowed down his production in the NBA, undergoing multiple surgeries to try and get his body right. Ball has played just 58 games across the past two seasons, and will be hoping to get more continuity in years to come.

RJ Hampton – New Zealand Breakers

Ranked as one of the top six prospects in the 2020 NBA Draft after his high school career, Hampton joined the Breakers with the same motivations as Ball. However, he found the going a bit tougher at NBL level, and struggled with a hip injury at times as he averaged just under nine points a game.

He was taken with the 24th pick in the draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, before his draft rights were traded to the Denver Nuggets. After averaging 2.6 points in nine minutes of action per game, he was traded to the Orlando Magic, and despite playing in the starting lineup at various stages, he was waived by the team.

Following short stints with the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat, Hampton is currently signed to the Delaware Blue Coats in the NBA G-League, and will be looking to rejoin the top level as soon as possible.

Terry Armstrong – SEM Phoenix

Although the NBL Next Stars program is a great way for prospects to reach the NBA, not all stories pan out, with Armstrong not reaching the top level after his time with the Phoenix, but still carved out a solid career around various competitions.

Armstrong was a highlight machine, winning the NBL Blitz dunk competition, but did not see much court time during his time with South East Melbourne. As a result, he was not selected in the NBA draft the following season, despite showing glimpses of promise in the NBL.

Since playing for the Phoenix, he has headed to Europe, initially playing in Slovenia before moving to Serbia, where he has been since August 2022. He is currently playing for KK Metalac Valjevo in the Basketball League of Serbia.