THREE POINTER:

• 2024 NBA Draft is approaching with a strong class of Next Stars.
• Alexandre Sarr, Bobi Klintman, and Ariel Hukporti are among the top prospects.
• The Next Stars program has proven to be a productive platform for young players.

The Next Stars Gearing Up for the Draft

The 2024 NBA Draft is just around the corner, and this year’s class of Next Stars is ready to take flight. Among the eight players in this season’s class, Ariel Hukporti is the only one still vying for the season’s title. The Next Stars program has seen a historically strong and productive campaign this season.

Alexandre Sarr has been the talk of the town all season, becoming a near-unanimous top-three pick. Bobi Klintman has also made a name for himself as a solid first-round prospect with the potential to climb even higher into the lottery picks.

The Standout Performers

According to NBA Draft analyst Sam Vecenie’s latest mock draft, Sarr is projected to be the second overall pick, while Klintman is expected to be the 17th pick. Both players have had remarkable seasons, producing some of the most well-rounded performances in the history of the Next Stars program.

Klintman, in particular, has shown exceptional scoring abilities. He ranks seventh in field goal percentage (44.3%), fourth in three-point percentage (35.7%), and second in free throw percentage (79.3%) among those who have participated in the program before entering the NBA Draft.

The New-Age NBA Center

Sarr has showcased his potential as a modern NBA center, demonstrating his ability to finish at the rim and create his own shots from a distance. He’s one of only four Next Stars in history to shoot over 50% from the field.

The Underdogs

Other notable prospects include Illawarra’s AJ Johnson, who despite inconsistent playing time, has shown immense potential and extraordinary athleticism. Ariel Hukporti, after recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury, has become one of the most efficient rim-running bigs in the NBL.

The Record Breakers

The eight Next Stars who have featured in NBL24 has set a new record for the program since its inception in 2018. This group’s impact has been felt not only through individual metrics and game-changing performances, but also through their contribution to winning teams.

The Future

As the official declarations for this season’s draft are yet to be announced, the sky is the limit for this group of Next Stars as they continue to pave their way to the NBA.

#NextStars #NBADraft2024