Breakers' New NBL Next Star Revealed

Another one of the world's hottest teenage basketball prospects is heading to the Sky Sport Breakers.

18-year-old French 'wunderkind' Rayan Rupert, a projected first-round pick in ESPN's 2023 NBA mock draft, wants to develop his game in a similar fashion to compatriots Ousmane Dieng and Hugo Besson, who played for the Breakers last season.

Like Dieng, Rupert is also a graduate of the INSEP Academy in France, which also trained Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, and Ronny Turiaf.

Basketball is in Rupert's blood with his late father, Thierry, a Euroleague player who also captained the French national team.  His sister Iliana was the 12th overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2021 WNBA draft. 

The teenager is an imposing presence on the court at 2.04m or 6'7" and a staggering 2.22m or 7'3" wingspan, with comparisons to the Phoenix Suns Mikal Bridges.

Highly respected ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski says Rupert has defensive versatility, an ability to get into passing lanes, and intensity on defence.

Breakers owner Matt Walsh is very excited to welcome Rupert to the Auckland-based club.

"Rayan is an extremely hard worker, and we can't wait to see him in a Breakers' uniform," said Walsh.

"He is one of the top young talents in the world, and we are excited for him to continue the Next Stars success that we have had following an amazing season from Ousmane Dieng."

From Dieng's perspective, his game transformed following his season with the Breakers.

"It was a really great experience and a great opportunity for an 18-year-old like me, and they really wanted to develop me," he said.

"I think last season made me tougher, better, and tougher in every aspect, on and off the floor.  It is a really good club."

Heading to the 2022 Draft, Dieng is currently ranked 12 while Besson is at 39 in ESPN's latest mock projection, although some outlets have him as high as 23.

Where exactly they land and which NBA teams pick them up will be revealed at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on June 24 (NZ-time).

Meantime, Rupert's journey to the NBA begins in mid-August when he arrives in Auckland.