Four Aussies got their dream in a historic NBA Draft second round

News.com.au

4 hours ago

An Aussie may soon find himself lining up next to Steph Curry in an NBA game after a historic second round of the draft for the green and gold.
Sydney Kings young gun Alex Toohey, who was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 52nd overall pick, is among four Australians who had their dreams turn into reality on Friday (AEST).
Watch England vs India Test Series LIVE & EXCLUSIVE on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports| New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
After Thursday's first round came and went, Aussie hopes were set on Toohey, Tyrese Proctor (Duke Blue Devils), Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets) and Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra Hawks) in the second round.
All four had their names called in a wild run between the 45th and 55th picks, becoming the first Aussie quartet to be drafted in the same year since Chris Anstey, CJ Bruton, Paul Rogers and Ben Pepper back in 1997.
Toohey, a versatile 203cm forward, could be working alongside NBA superstar Curry after he was initially drafted by the Phoenix Suns and later traded to the Warriors.
The 21-year-old's two seasons at the Kings as part of the NBL's Next Stars Program helped developed his game.
He averaged 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game in the 2024-25 season and spoke to compatriot and NBA veteran Joe Ingles prior to the draft.
'Being able to be versatile, that's probably the baseline of being able to crack into an NBA team, making sure you can shoot threes and play defence,' Toohey told Fox Sports.
'Speaking to Joe Ingles, once you can do those things the game expands and they have to adjust to you.'
Robbie McKinlay, head coach of Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence, described Toohey as an 'explosive athlete'.
'Alex is such a versatile player at both ends of the floor and fits perfectly in the 'positionless' trend of the global game,' he said.
'You saw in the NBL with the Kings that he has the ability to make big plays and is an explosive athlete in the open court.'
Minnesota-bound Zikarsky was the first Aussie to be called as the 45th overall pick.
The 18-year-old only had minimal minutes this season with the Bullets, but his giant 220cm frame makes for a towering figure in defence and on the boards.
It was reported that Zikarsky will be the third tallest player in the NBA next season, with Memphis big man leading the way at 224cm.
'Rocco obviously has size, agility, and terrific defensive instincts and continues to expand an impressive offensive game,' McKinlay said.
But 49th pick Proctor could be set to gain the most minutes in his rookie season following his move to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cleveland side has guards Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill hitting free agency and with a legitimate need for a guard, ESPN's draft expert Jonathan Givony said Cleveland was the team 'every agent was fighting for'.
A solid shooter, Proctor's role with the Duke Blue Devils saw his skills off the ball help the side and he could log some meaningful minutes with the Cavs next season.
Olbrich was the last Australian selected with the 55th overall pick by the LA Lakers and then traded to the Chicago Bulls.
Following his strong performances at the G League Elite camp and then the NBA Combine, Olbrich will join fellow Aussie Josh Giddey at the Bulls.
Olbrich's move comes after his heroics in the NBL finals series coming in for Sam Froling against Melbourne United on Illawarra's way to the championship.
'Lachlan showed in the Hawks' NBL title run that he is a fierce competitor with the ability to play inside and on the perimeter and guard multiple positions,' McKinlay said.
The quartet will report to camp from October 1, joining a strong contingent of 14 Australians that were on NBA rosters this past season, including OKC championship winner Alex Ducas.