Rocco on the rise: Zikarsky draft stocks rocket

• Queenslander Rocco Zikarsky declares for 2025 NBA Draft
• Speculation mounting his draft potential is on the rise
• He is one of six Australians in the 2025 NBA Draft

NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky is going into the 2025 NBA Draft — declaring before the April 26, 2025 deadline.

The 18-year-old 220cm (7'3") Brisbane Bullets centre is already "in the US preparing for the pre-draft process" Draft Express' Jonathan Givony reported.

Zikarsky had been predicted to go late in the second but his declaration has caused speculation he is moving up in the eyes of scouts and NBA general managers.

He only played 45 games in two seasons with the Bullets, just 18 in NBL25 because of injury, where he averaged 4.6 points in just under 12 minutes and 3.44 rebounds.

Zikarsky logged a season-high 34.6 minutes against the Perth Wildcats on November 29, 2024 putting up a solid 13 points, eight rebounds and three block performance. The last time he suited up for the Bullets was against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on January 11, 2025, playing 12.5 minutes for seven points, two boards and a block.

Despite being listed in injury management for most of the start of 2025, Zikarsky was named in the Australian Under-19 men's FIBA World Cup squad ahead of the June 2025 tournament in Switzerland.

He is one of six Australian men's basketball players who have declared for the draft:

1. Alex Condon (#29 — Phoenix Suns via Cleveland Cavaliers)
2. Alex Toohey (#40 — Washington Wizards via Phoenix Suns)
3. Tyrese Proctor (#52 — LA Clippers via Minnesota)
4. Rocco Zikarsky (#57  — Orlando Magic via Boston Celtics)
5. Ben Henshall (Not Ranked)
6. Lachlan Olbrich (Not Ranked)

Two foreign-born NBL Next Stars have also declared: Malique Lewis (Not Ranked); and Izan Almansa (Not Ranked)

The NBA Draft is June 25 and 26, 2025 (US). Summer League starts on July 10.