Rupert Rises to 13 on Draft Boards

NBL Next Star Rayan Rupert’s draft stock continues to skyrocket, with the New Zealand Breaker coming in at number 13 on The Athletic’s latest NBA mock draft.

Rupert has been on a tear since returning from a midseason wrist injury, becoming a menace to deal with on the defensive end and playing more aggressively on offence.

The French sensation has earned the trust of coach Mody Maor, who has inserted Rupert into the starting line-up during the Playoffs.

Rupert is now destined to be a first round draft pick, with The Athletic draft expert Sam Vecenie predicting the 18-year-old could be a lottery pick.

“At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Rupert has the kind of tools every scout wants,” Vecenie wrote.

“He’s a good athlete, and he has strong feel for the game. Having grown up as a point guard, Rupert has strong instincts as a passer and consistently makes the right play for his teammates.

“Where he truly shines is on defense. Rupert is aggressive and uses his lateral quickness and length to the utmost degree, making life miserable for opponents.

“That’s where his future is in the NBA: As soon as he gets stronger and more capable of holding up at the point of attack physically, Rupert is going to be a true defensive difference-maker.

“On top of that, Rupert’s background checks have come back pristine. He’s noted in Australia as an exceptionally hard worker, he’s all about the team as opposed to his own ambitions, and he has a remarkably professional mindset.”

New Zealand has become a breeding ground for NBA talent, with RJ Hampton, Ousmane Dieng and Hugo Besson all being drafted after seasons with the Breakers.

Rupert is set to join that group but not before he leads New Zealand in a do-or-die Game 3 against the Tasmania JackJumpers with a spot in the Championship Series on the line.

Tip-off is set for 6pm at Spark Arena on Sunday, on Sky Sport.