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, concluding the series with the most recent participants, including last year’s draftees.

2022/23

Rayan Rupert – New Zealand Breakers

The Frenchman was the sole Next Star in the 2022/23 season, but was yet another success story from the program, making a direct move from the NBL to the NBA following his time with the Breakers. He was a crucial cog as the Breakers contended for a title in the finals, and showed how he can compete in a strong team.

He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 43rd pick in the 2023 NBA Draft last year, and benefitted from the fact that he joined a young team. Throughout the 2023/24 NBA season, he played 39 games and started in 12 of those.

Although he averaged just four points a game, he showed potential to develop as a scorer and certainly has impressive traits as a defender, so he should continue to flourish as a member of the Trail Blazers in seasons to come.

2023/24

Alexandre Sarr – Perth Wildcats

Sarr brought plenty of hype with him to the Wildcats from France, and was touted as a top pick even before his time as a Next Star. He averaged just shy of 10 points per game, and showcased his ability to compete against fully developed players.

He was selected with the second pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, but had a tough time at the Summer League with some ineffective performances. However, he still has the talent to become a star at the top level, and will be one of the most anticipated players ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

AJ Johnson – Illawarra Hawks

Johnson was another first round pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, having impressed during his time with the Hawks, which included some impressive highlights as he flexed his athletic traits throughout the course of the NBL season.

He joined the Milwaukee Bucks, and while it was surprising as Johnson is considered a project player while the Bucks are in their window of contention, he will benefit greatly by playing alongside some of the best players in the world.

Ariel Hukporti – Melbourne United

A two-year player in the NBL, Hukporti finally saw his NBA dream realised after impressing with United during the second year of his tenure, having ruptured his Achilles during his first year. He was especially at his best when in the starting lineup, but was forced to wait behind some of his more established teammates.

He was signed to the New York Knicks on a two-way contract after the team drafted him with the 58th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and although his role with the team is unknown, a foot in the door is a great step forward.

Bobi Klintman – Cairns Taipans

Klintman was an impressive performer within the Next Stars program as a member of the Taipans last NBL season, averaging 9.7 points per game and had stretches of games where he took over on the offensive end.

He was picked up by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 37th overall pick in the draft, but was traded to the Detroit Pistons on draft night. However, that may be a blessing in disguise as the Pistons are a developing team and he could see some court time early.

Trentyn Flowers – Adelaide 36ers

Although he struggled to stay in the rotation with the Sixers at times as a Next Star, there were still some highs for Flowers in the NBL, including an 18-point fourth quarter performance to lead his side to victory.

Despite not being picked in the NBA Draft initially, Flowers signed to an NBA team shortly after, joining the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-way deal. Although he may spend some time in the G-League, it is a step closer to a career at the top level and is reward for his hard work.