Rupert Climbs NBA Draft Ranks

After Rayan Rupert’s strong showings at the recent NBL Blitz, Sports Illustrated has projected the Next Star to be selected as a late first or early second round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Should he continue his rise to earn a first-round selection, Rupert will follow in the footsteps of former Breakers RJ Hampton and Ousmane Dieng in becoming a first round pick. Hugo Besson has also successfully made the leap from New Zealand to NBA draftee, after being taken by the Bucks as a second round pick.

Sports Illustrated reports “at least seven NBA teams” were in attendance to scout the young Frenchman during the Blitz, and his performances on both sides of the ball were impressive across all three contests.

He’s been labelled as a “crafty” player with a “smooth” jumper by the publication, but his rebounding proficiency and ability to create his own shot have been labelled as areas of improvement.

Rupert opened his Blitz campaign with 12 points and three steals from the bench against the Bullets, before following up with 17 points and eight rebounds against the Hawks.

In his final performance in the pre-season tournament, he registered 16 points against the reigning NBL champion Sydney Kings.

He shot 48 per cent from the field, 63 per cent from three and 90 per cent from the free throw line across the three games.

The Breakers open their NBL23 campaign on Sunday, October 2 against Melbourne United.

For the full story head to >> NBA Draft Scouting Report: NBL’s Rayan Rupert.