The NBL’s Next Stars program, launched in 2018, was designed to give young players from around the world a professional pathway to bypass college and fast-track their journey to the NBA.

Since its inception 26 players have come through the system, with 13 drafted to the NBA, two more earning contracts via two-way or 10-day deals and four current prospects attracting strong NBA interest.

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The program has already produced some headline names, including LaMelo Ball (Illawarra Hawks), who was taken with the third pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Josh Giddey (pick No.6 in 2021) and most recently Alex Sarr, selected second overall

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