Zikarsky's next evolution

While the bulk of Rocco Zikarsky’s NBL24 Next Star cohort is preparing for the upcoming NBA Draft, the Bullets center is putting in work ahead of his sophomore NBL campaign.

The 17-year-old was recently named to the Boomers’ initial 22-man Olympic squad following an exciting first professional season with the Bullets, in which he appeared in 27 of his side’s 28 games.

He’s currently in Minnesota working on new aspects of his game, and says he’s thriving with the new opportunity to broaden his offensive skillset.

“It’s been great, we’ve been getting in the gym three times a day, morning, middle of the day and night, working really on the things I don’t get a chance to work on in the regular season,” Zikarsky said.

“A lot of strength work, jumping, shooting threes, that sort of stuff, so it’s been great.

“I’ve been focusing on perfecting my [shooting] form and bringing up my confidence to shoot it. Lots of reps behind the arc and getting it right so when I get back, I’ll be more than capable.

“I’ll head to Denver and hang out with Stu Lash (Brisbane Senior Basketball Advisor) for a couple of days, head to LA and see that side of things, then it’s back to Minneapolis for another two-and-a-bit weeks’ worth of work.”