If the NBL’s reputation as a proven pathway to the NBA wasn’t already solidified, this year’s crop of Next Stars should well and truly change that.

Alex Sarr was projected as a top-20 pick before his time at the Perth Wildcats, but now looms as a legitimate top-two pick.

According to the Wildcats’ General Manager of Basketball Operations, Danny Mills, it’s a sign of just how strong the club, and league, has become.

“It speaks to the level of professionalism we have, and the skill of our coaching staff in how they’ve helped develop him (Sarr). We think it puts us on the map as a destination club, globally,” Mills told The West Australian.

“To have a young man come to us about nine months ago, as a projected top-20 pick … to develop into potentially the No.1 or No.2 (pick) is fantastic.”

Mills added the Wildcats’ ability to nurture and work with emerging talent, alongside Sarr’s incredible character at such a young age, has helped with his huge climb on NBA draft boards.

The future is bright for the 19-year-old, who averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks a game across his season in the NBL.

To date, the highest draft pick to come out of the NBL’s Next Stars program was LaMelo Ball, who went as the third overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in 2020. 

That means we could see NBL history made at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, if Sarr is picked first or second. 

Mills will use the next few weeks in the United States to scout replacements for the young star, as well as recently departed import Jordan Usher.

Read the full story here >> As Alex Sarr’s star rises, so too does Perth Wildcats’ global reputation, says GM Danny Mills