While most prospects will take the college route before starting their professional career, there have been players in recents years that have taken their talents to Australia’s Next Stars Program. Terrance Ferguson (2017 No. 21 pick) LaMelo Ball (2020 No. 3 pick) and RJ Hampton (2020 No. 24 pick) competed in the NBL under the Next Stars Program, developed their game and became first round picks.
The next player to follow in that path is Josh Giddey. The Australian point guard started his career with the Adelaide 36ers. Giddey is projected to go in the first round, with mock drafts predicting he’ll go in the 10-22 range, possibly ending up with the Knicks.