Prather impressed by Zikarsky's growth across NBL24

It’s impossible to deny Rocco Zikarsky has had an immediate impact on the NBL in his first season as a professional basketballer. The 17-year-old Next Star’s jersey is the sixth-top seller among all players in the competition, and he’s quickly become a cult hero for the new generation of basketball fans.

When you see the Centre of Excellence graduate glide down the court, it’s easy to forget just how young he is. What he’s doing in the NBL is almost incomparable given his age, and sheer size.

He looks to be firming as a near locked-on first round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, which means NBL fans will have at least one more full season of watching the emerging star in action.

Casey Prather only arrived in Brisbane midway through the NBL24 campaign as an injury replacement player, so while he hasn't seen Zikarsky’s growth from the beginning of the campaign, he’s impressed with how his young teammate has handled the pressure of the season during their time together.

“Just to see his maturity levels continue to grow day in, day out, he’s very coachable and wants to get better, and he wants to be on that court to showcase his skills,” Prather told NBL Media.

“He wants to be that guy who blocks as many shots as he can, and I just love it. I think he is unbelievable and there is no limit to how high he can go. You don’t really see guys of his height be able to move and play at the level he is – especially at such a young age.

“I have all praise to give to Rocco, because he’s managing everything very well, and he’s at that age where you think 'you should be doing this or that on the court', this guy just wants to win no matter what the situation may be, he just wants to go out in practice and games and give 100 per cent effort

“That’s the sign of a true champion, and a guy who is only going to get better and stick around long-term.”

Zikarsky has averaged a touch over seven minutes per game in his rookie season, and head coach Justin Schueller has been consistent in stating his desire to only expose the 17-year-old to situations in which he can improve this season.

Assistant coach Greg Vanderjagt has been crucial in helping aid the development of the young center, and he praised the environment created in the Bullets’ camp in a previous interview.

“Rocco is still only 17 and finding his feet in the world of professional basketball. The support network he has around him in the club internally is second to none,” Vanderjagt said.

Rocco Zikarsky and Greg Vanderjagt.

“The practice environment he’s in day-to-day is harder than the game environment.

“That competitive environment is making him better so come game day, we’ve seen flashes and moments of how good Rocco can be.”

The Bullets are staring down the barrel of a do-or-die clash with New Zealand on Friday night – the result of which could either elevate the Bullets to their first Finals appearance since 2019.

PThe game between the Bullets and Breakers will tip off on Friday night at 4:30pm AEST, live on ESPN via Kayo.