Is It Time for the NBL Next Star Program to Have Its Own Draft?

Hear Josh Higgins take on the NBL Next Star Draft

Is It Time for the NBL Next Star Program to Have Its Own Draft?

The NBL Next Star program has been a resounding success, drawing global attention to the league and solidifying its reputation as one of the premier basketball leagues in the world.

Since its inception, the program has served as a platform for young, aspiring NBA talent to develop their skills in a professional environment, with multiple participants going on to become lottery picks in the NBA Draft.

The program has produced stars such as LaMelo Ball, selected with the third overall pick in 2020, Josh Giddey, taken sixth in 2021, and most recently, Alexandre Saar, the second overall pick in 2024. Their success stories have bolstered the NBL’s profile on the international stage and raised the question: What’s next for the Next Star program? Could introducing a draft system be the key to its continued evolution?

The Case for a NBL Next Star Draft

The Next Star program was created to give elite young basketball talent a platform to develop in a competitive environment while preparing them for the NBA. To date, the program has allowed players to select the NBL team they feel will best aid their growth. For example, this year, Karim Lopez chose to join the New Zealand Breakers, while Dash Daniels is set to join an NBL team next season.

However, some, including Josh Higgins from The Basketball Fix podcast, have proposed the idea of introducing a draft system to the program. Higgins suggested that a draft could see around 15 players put their hands up for selection, with 10 being chosen to join NBL teams for the upcoming season.

The draft could be implemented in one of two ways:

1. An NBA-style lottery, where teams are randomly assigned picks based on certain odds.

2. An NFL-style draft, where the last-placed team on the ladder receives the first pick, ensuring parity and helping lower-ranked teams rebuild with high-potential talent.

A draft would add a new layer of professionalism to the Next Star program. It would prepare players for the reality of the NBA, where they don't get to choose their destination and must adapt to the team that selects them. For these young athletes, learning to thrive in less-than-ideal situations is a vital skill for their future careers.

The Benefits for the NBL

A Next Star draft would also bring new energy to the league. The NBL could build an offseason spectacle around it, similar to the NBA Draft, which generates significant buzz and media attention. A televised draft would draw the eyes of basketball fans worldwide and further establish the NBL as a key developmental league. The anticipation of which teams will land the top Next Star prospects could add intrigue and excitement for fans, creating storylines that extend beyond the court.

Additionally, a draft system could help ensure more equitable distribution of talent across the league. Under the current system, higher-profile teams, such as the Perth Wildcats or Melbourne United, have a better chance of landing top-tier prospects. A draft would level the playing field and give smaller-market teams a fair shot at securing elite young talent.

Is the NBL Ready for a Draft?

While the idea of a Next Star draft is intriguing, it may still be years away. The Next Star program is still in its developmental phase, improving with each season. Introducing a draft system would require significant planning and infrastructure, including scouting networks, player evaluations, and a clear set of rules to govern the process.

There’s also the question of whether the NBL is ready to take control of player placement. The current system gives players some autonomy to choose the team that fits their development goals, which has been a significant draw for Next Star participants. Moving to a draft system would remove that choice, potentially making the program less attractive to some prospects.

A Vision for the Future

The idea of a Next Star draft is undoubtedly exciting and could revolutionise the program, bringing a new level of professionalism and attention to the league. However, for now, it remains a concept for the future. The NBL is steadily building its reputation as a premier destination for young talent, and the current model is delivering results.

That said, the conversation around a draft is worth keeping alive. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to consider how the league can take the Next Star initiative to the next level. A draft may not be imminent, but it represents a bold vision for the future of the NBL and one that could make the league an even more critical player in the global basketball landscape.