Rayan Rupert's Stunning Return Draws Wide Spread Praise

Rayan Rupert is back. After two months sidelined with a wrist injury one of the most exciting talents in the NBL took to the floor against the Wildcats to great effect.

Despite missing so long with the injury – which was on his shooting hand – Rupert slotted back into New Zealand’s side seamlessly and played a crucial role from the bench to ensure the Breakers walked away with the win.

He dropped 14 points on five of seven shooting for the game as well as coming up with a steal and a block on the defensive end.

Rupert says he’s happy to repay the faith New Zealand has shown in him.

“I’m very happy to play for the Breakers,” Rupert said post-game. “I think it’s a very good decision for me. I have a great coach, very good teammates who help me a lot every day, so I’m very happy to be here in this organisation.

“I’ve been working very hard the last two months … I’m very happy to get back on the court and just play basketball.

“I love basketball and I love my teammates, so I’m just happy to be playing basketball again.”

It’s not often players can walk back into the side after such an extended stint on the sidelines and look like they hardly missed a beat, especially at such a young age.

Mock drafts have Rupert being selected just outside the lottery picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, and Maor says the Next Star’s work ethic is a large part of that.

“Rayan is an extremely special kid,” Maor said. “[His] work ethic is second to none. [His] love for the game is second to none.

“He took advantage of every opportunity there was during this break to improve everything he could improve. I had no doubt he would come out ready to play, and he was very impressive.

“Rayan puts in a lot of work and credit always goes to the player, but my staff put in a lot of work these last two months.

“Everybody gave everything they could to ensure he got the most out of every minute … without that we don’t get a w, so it’s big on them.”