Aussie 220cm teen giant to become third tallest player in NBA after headlining historic draft spree
Updated . First published at
Giant Australian teenager Rocco Zikarsky is off to the Minnesota Timberwolves after the NBA powerhouse drafted him with the 45th pick in New York on Friday (AEST).
Zikarsky, who played for the Brisbane Bullets in the 2024-25 NBL, is an 18-year-old centre who stands 220cm.
The Sunshine Coast product will become the third tallest player in the NBA behind Zach Edey (224cm) and Victor Wembanyama (221cm).
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Rocco Zikarsky of the Bullets dunks. Getty
"He has incredible size at 7'4 with a 9'7 standing reach," ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony said.
"He can practically dunk without jumping, which also gives him significant potential on the defensive end.
"He's shown some flashes of stretch (shooting) potential. He'll need to improve his ability to cover ground and space, make quicker decisions."
Minnesota, led by superstar Anthony Edwards, were beaten 4-1 in the Western Conference finals in May by the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Tyrese Proctor, a 21-year-old guard from Sydney, became the second Aussie drafted this year when the Cleveland Cavaliers took him at No.49.
The Cavaliers had the best regular season record in the Eastern Conference but were stunned 4-1 by the Indiana Pacers in the semi-finals.
Tyrese Proctor of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after scoring during the second half. Getty
"This is a spot (in Cleveland) that every agent was fighting for because it's going to be a roster spot," Givony noted.
"Every other pick here is going to be either a two-way (contract) or a stash.
"Tyrese Proctor is a sweet shooting Australian guard and hit 41 per cent of his threes in the (NCAA) Final Four (for Duke) this year... very exciting pick for the Cavaliers."
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said Cleveland may not be able to keep both free agent guards Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill.
"Proctor would be able to replace one of them," Windhorst said.
Sydney Kings forward Alex Toohey became the third Aussie selected in the second round when the Golden State Warriors grabbed him at No.52.
Alex Toohey of the Kings shoots from the free throw line. Getty
Toohey will became a teammate of the legendary Steph Curry.
"Tough, smart, energetic forward in a Cedi Osman mould," Givony said.
"Strong feel for the game. Two way versatility, gets in passing lanes, does a little bit of everything in both ends of the floor. Intriguing pick here for the Golden State Warriors."
Lachlan Olbrich of the Hawks gets his shot off. Getty
The NBA's thirst for Aussie talent wasn't quenched there.
Illawarra Hawks forward Lachlan Olbrich became the fourth pick of the night when the Chicago Bulls selected him at No.55.
Givony described the 21-year-old as a "strong, tough, skilled big man with ball handling ability, the ability to score inside the paint and pushing off the defensive glass, and good vision as a passer."
Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with teammates. Getty
Olbrich will join Boomers star Josh Giddey at the Bulls.
The only other time Australia had four players drafted in one class was way back in 1997.
Chris Anstey, CJ Bruton, Paul Rogers and Ben Pepper were those picks.
