25
Aug
Player Profile
Aussies in the NBA: Rocco Zikarsky
Australian Rocco Zikarsky #44 of the Minnesota Timberwolves rebounds the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 13, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Australian Rocco Zikarsky plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, drafted in 2025
- Drafted 45th overall to the Chicago Bulls, traded on draft night to Minnesota
- Signed with the Brisbane Bullets as a 16-year-old
- Won MVP at the Albert Schweitzer-Tournament in 2024 for Australia
Rocco Zikarsky is a rising star of Australian basketball who made his mark on junior competitions as a dominant centre before being drafted to the NBA.
Key Details
- Name: Rocco Zikarsky
- Age: 19
- Team(s): Minnesota Timberwolves, Brisbane Bullets
- Position: Centre
- Size: 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m)
- Weight: 257 lb (116 kg)
Playing Style
Zikarsky’s play style is that of a rim running big man who is elite when it comes to shot blocking with the 7’3” height and long wingspan. A lob threat on the offensive end, often finding scoring opportunities out of the pick-and-roll, Zikarsky is still building his offensive package entering the NBA.
Career
Zikarsky started his professional career as a 16-year-old, signing with the Brisbane Bullets as a part of the NBL’s Next Star Program. He became the youngest player to sign as a Next Star. In two years with the Bullets, he showed great rim protection at his 7’3” stature. He played limited minutes for Brisbane due to a backlog of centres but impressed enough to be drafted 45th overall by the Chicago Bulls before being traded immediately to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Fast Five Facts
- Zikarsky is the son of German Olympic medallist swimmer Bjorn, and Australian Ironwoman champion Kylie.
- Zikarsky was the youngest person to sign with the Next Star Program at age 16
- He was the tallest player at the NBA Draft combine in 2025 (7’3”)
- Had collegiate offers from Duke, Gonzaga, Michigan, USC and Arizona
- He is the third tallest current NBA player behind Zach Edey and Victor Wembanyama
Career Highlights Timeline
- 2023: Joins the AIS Centre of Excellence
- 2023: Signs with the Brisbane Bullets
- 2024: Leads Australia to a Gold Medal at Albert Schweitzer-Tournament, Wins MVP
- 2025: Taken in the 2025 NBA Draft, Signs with Timberwolves on Two-Way
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