15
Nov
G League
Starting Rocco comes up big for Iowa Wolves
Rocco Zikarsky #44 of the Iowa Wolves drives to the basket against the Cleveland Charge during an NBA G-League game on November 7, 2025 at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: Jasey Michelle Bradwell/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Three games into the G League season and Zikarsky is already showcasing his unique talents
- Australian big man Rocco Zikarsky was selected with the 45th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft
- He played two seasons in the NBL as a Next Star with the Brisbane Bullets
- Zikarsky is one of two Aussies on the Timberwolves roster with Joe Ingles also with Minnesota
It's only been three games but already Aussie big man Rocco Zikarsky is finding his feet in the NBA G League.
Zikarsky had his best game in the US after scoring 24 points to go with seven rebounds and two assists in the Iowa Wolves' 121-113 loss to the Grand Rapids Gold on November 14.
Two factors made the Sunshine Coast product's performance even more impressive with the towering 7'3" Minnesota Timberwolves two-way rookie going 2-from-3 from the three-point line and also doing it against Denver Nuggets big man Moses Brown, who had just 10 points in 23 minutes.
It was Zikarsky's first game in the starting five for the Wolves and the move paid off for Iowa coach and former Sydney Kings mentor Mahmoud Abdelfattah with the former Brisbane Bullets Next Star showcasing all aspects of his game.
The 19-year-old showed all aspects of his game, including his versatility as he beat his opponent down the floor with rim runs for easy dunks on multiple occasions. He also was a vertical lob threat, had several thunderous dunks for the Wolves and even provided some spacing as a pick and pop option.
Zikarsky signed a two-way deal with Minnesota after being drafted at pick 45 in this year's draft and had several impressive pre-season performances, including a game against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic from the Nuggets as well as Chinese side Guangzhou.
The Athletic's Timberwolves reporter, Jon Krawczynski, spoke to basketball.com.au in October about the Timberwolves being a great place fpor Zikarsky to learn, especially being behind four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert as well as having fellow Aussie Joe Ingles in the side.
Krawczynski said he expected Zikarsky and fellow rookie Joan Beringer to spend most of this season in the G League.
"(Zikarsky) was really thoughtful about what it means to him to reach this point," he recalled.
"Playing an NBA pre-season game against Nikola Jokic, and kind of pinching himself a little bit. But also trying not to get swept up in the moment, understanding that, 'hey, I'm not here to be a fan, I'm here to compete.'"
The NBL's GM of Next Stars Recruitment, Liam Santamaria, also recently spoke on 'Cut to the Jase' about the style of play in the NBA being a better fit for Zikarsky after two seasons with the Bullets.
The Iowa Wolves are 2-1 after the loss to Grand Rapids.
