Next Star selected for NBA All-Star event

Former NBL Next Star Rocco Zikarsky has been rewarded for his exceptional form with the Iowa Wolves, selected in the NBA G League Next Up Game.

The fixture, which will be played at NBA Crossover inside the Los Angeles Convention Centre, will take place during NBA All-Star 2026 on Sunday, February 15.

Former Brisbane Bullets Zikarsky, who was the 45th pick by Minnesota in the 2025 NBA Draft, has appeared in 16 regular season games for the Iowa Wolves (13 starts), averaging 14.9 points on 53 per cent shooting, 9.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 31.2 minutes per game.

Zikarsky’s 9.4 rebounds per game rank ninth in the G League and his 2.1 blocks per game rank fifth.

Joining Zikarsky, who has seven double-doubles this season, on Team Blue are Jaden Akins (Motor City Cruise), Sean East II (Salt Lake City Stars), Killian Hayes (Cleveland Charge), Alijah Martin (Raptors 905), Norchad Omier (Cleveland Charge) and Dink Pate (Westchester Knicks), with Salt Lake’s Rick Higgins the head coach.

This squad will feature in a four-team, tournament-style format showcasing some of the NBA G League’s most exciting players.