From Local Courts to NBA Dreams
How Australia’s Rising Stars Made the 2025 Draft Class One to Remember
Four Australians. One draft. A new generation of talent is stepping onto the world stage.
The 2025 NBA Draft wasn’t just a big night in the US - it was historic for Australia. For only the second time in league history, four Australians were selected in a single draft, matching the country’s previous high from 1997. This time, it was Rocco Zikarsky, Tyrese Proctor, Alex Toohey and Lachlan Olbrich who carried the green and gold into the spotlight.
Their stories all started the same way - as kids in club singlets, playing on local courts, surrounded by parents, coaches and mates who believed in them. At Vortex, we’ve seen firsthand how these grassroots beginnings shape the next generation. That’s why this isn’t just a story about four draft picks. It’s a celebration of Australian basketball.
Meet the NBA Class of 2025 from Down Under
Rocco Zikarsky (Pick 45 – Minnesota Timberwolves via Chicago Bulls)
Position: Centre
Height: 7'3"
Pathway: Brisbane Grammar School, NBA Global Academy, Brisbane Bullets
At 18 years old, Rocco Zikarsky is already a headline name. The towering centre from the Sunshine Coast made international scouts take notice during his MVP performance at the 2024 Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany, averaging nearly 19 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Zikarsky began with Basketball Queensland before joining the NBA Global Academy. He later signed with the Brisbane Bullets as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program, becoming the youngest player in league history to do so. Coaches rave about his footwork, decision making and presence in the paint.
Tyrese Proctor (Pick 49 – Cleveland Cavaliers)
Position: Guard
Height: 6'6"
Pathway: Sutherland Sharks, NBA Global Academy, Duke University
Tyrese Proctor has been on the radar for years. A product of the Sutherland Sharks in Sydney, he represented Australia’s senior national team at just 16 and played three seasons at Duke - one of the top college programs in the US.
Known for his elite court vision and calm leadership, Proctor is a pure point guard who makes others better. He is also a graduate of the NBA Global Academy, where he trained alongside Zikarsky and Toohey.
Alex Toohey (Pick 52 – Golden State Warriors via Phoenix Suns)
Position: Forward
Height: 6'8"
Pathway: Basketball ACT, NBA Global Academy, Sydney Kings
Canberra-born Alex Toohey was expected to play college ball at Gonzaga University, but instead he turned professional early by signing with the Sydney Kings in the NBL. That decision proved to be a turning point.
Toohey made the NBL’s All Next Gen First Team in 2025 and became known for his defensive instincts, rebounding and ability to guard multiple positions. He is a modern forward with a high ceiling and an even higher work ethic.
Lachlan Olbrich (Pick 55 – Chicago Bulls via Los Angeles Lakers)
Position: Forward–Centre
Height: 6'10"
Pathway: UC Riverside, Illawarra Hawks, Canterbury Rams
Lachlan Olbrich’s path was the most unconventional of the group. After junior development in South Australia and NBL1 Central, he played college basketball at UC Riverside in California. He later returned to Australia to sign with the Illawarra Hawks, helping them to an NBL title in 2025.
In between, he dominated the New Zealand NBL with the Canterbury Rams and earned MVP honours. In 2024, he also made his debut with the Australian Boomers. His rebounding, hustle and selfless play stood out in every league he joined.
From Grassroots to Global
What connects all four players is their journey through the Australian basketball system. Each came through state-level competitions, local clubs, and high-performance pathways such as the NBA Global Academy and Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence.
But their journey didn’t start there. It started in primary school gymnasiums and suburban courts. It started in oversized jerseys with mismatched shorts. It started with grassroots clubs that believed in development over results.
Why Uniforms Still Matter
You don’t need to be an NBA draft pick to feel like one. When young players put on a custom uniform that fits right and looks sharp, it tells them they belong. That they matter. That their team has their back.
At Vortex, we believe every team deserves that feeling. Our uniforms are:
Designed for comfort and breathability
Customised for club colours and logos
Sized for youth and adult players alike
Delivered with easy bulk ordering and fast turnaround
Whether you’re outfitting a Saturday morning rep team or a senior squad chasing a title, we help clubs look and feel like pros.
It All Comes Back to Community
Every one of these drafted athletes had a club that gave them their start. A coach who saw something in them. A community that helped them grow.
And every club out there right now might be nurturing the next one. Not every player will make the NBA. That’s not the point. But every kid deserves a team, a goal and a uniform they’re proud to wear.
Let’s Help the Next Generation Dream Bigger
The 2025 draft class proves that Australia is on the map - not just for basketball talent, but for development, resilience and community.
If your team is ready to level up, we’re here to help. Let’s create a custom basketball jersey that inspires big dreams. You never know where they might lead.
Ready to gear up?
Contact the Vortex team today and take the first step toward building something unforgettable.