Historic NBA Draft: Four Australians Selected for 2025 Season

In a remarkable turn of events, the 2025 NBA Draft witnessed the selection of four Australian players, marking the first time since 1997 that a quartet from Australia has been drafted in a single year. This historic occurrence not only highlights the growing influence of Australian talent in the NBA but also signals a promising future for the nation's basketball prospects.

On June 27, 2025, during the second round of the draft, Tyrese Proctor, Alex Toohey, Rocco Zikarsky, and Lachlan Olbrich were chosen by their respective teams, generating excitement among Australian basketball fans and analysts alike. The four players, representing various Australian basketball leagues and colleges, were selected for their unique skills and potential contributions to their teams.

Rocco Zikarsky, drafted 45th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, stands out due to his impressive physical attributes, measuring 7 feet 3 inches tall with a 9-foot-6 standing reach. Despite averaging only 4.6 points and 3.5 rebounds during his two seasons with the Brisbane Bullets, his size and potential for defensive prowess have made him an intriguing prospect. As noted by former NBA executive and current analyst Mike Schmitz, “The upside with Zikarsky is obvious; finding a player of his height who can move well is a rare find in today’s game” (Schmitz, ESPN, 2025).

Tyrese Proctor, a former Duke University standout, was selected 49th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. His journey has been marked by ups and downs; after struggling with injuries and consistency during his sophomore year, Proctor returned for his junior season and improved his three-point shooting to 40.5%. According to ESPN’s draft expert Jonathan Givony, Proctor has a genuine opportunity for significant playing time in Cleveland, especially with the team's need for guards (Givony, ESPN, 2025).

Alex Toohey was drafted 52nd overall by the Golden State Warriors, joining a team that features veteran superstar Steph Curry. Toohey’s versatility as a multi-positional defender and his experience in the NBL have equipped him for the NBA’s competitive landscape. His former coach at the Sydney Kings, Brian Goorjian, stated, “Toohey is not just a 3-and-D player; he has the potential to facilitate and create plays, which is a valuable trait in today’s game” (Goorjian, Fox Sports, 2025).

Lastly, Lachlan Olbrich was picked 55th overall by the Chicago Bulls. Olbrich showcased his skills during the G League Elite Camp and earned praise for his all-around game, which helped lead the Illawarra Hawks to an NBL championship. His performance in the New Zealand NBL, where he was named MVP, further solidified his status as a rising star (Woo, ESPN, 2025).

The selection of these four Australians reflects a broader trend of increasing international representation in the NBA, particularly from Australia. According to a 2023 report from Basketball Australia, the number of Australians playing in the NBA has steadily increased, with more players making significant impacts at both collegiate and professional levels (Basketball Australia, 2023).

Experts believe that this influx of talent will not only benefit the players themselves but also enhance the reputation of Australian basketball on the global stage. “With the success of players like Ben Simmons and Patty Mills, the NBA is now looking at Australia as a viable source of basketball talent,” stated Dr. Laura Stone, a sports sociology expert at the University of Sydney (Stone, 2023).

As these young athletes embark on their professional careers, the basketball community will be watching closely to see how they adapt to the rigors of the NBA and contribute to their teams' successes. The future appears bright for Australian basketball, with a new generation of talent poised to make their mark in the league.

In conclusion, the 2025 NBA Draft has not only set a historical precedent for Australian players but also serves as a testament to the growing influence of international athletes in professional sports. As the league continues to evolve, the contributions of these four Australians will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of the NBA.