Bruton says Next Star is still an option

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton has said the club are in the hunt for a Next Star for the NBL24 season and are exploring their options.

The 36ers this week held an invite-only trial camp to fill out their final three development player spots, alongside Sturt guard and former California Baptist Lancer Keanu Rasmussen.

Adelaide has had two Next Stars within its ranks in the past – 2021 No.6 NBA Draft pick and current Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Josh Giddey and Mojave King, who has since gone on to represent the NBA G-League Ignite and is currently ranked as the 71st best available player in the upcoming NBA Draft.

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“We’ve identified quite a few players, as you’ve seen so far,” Bruton said of his side’s roster build. “We’ve still got some ways to go.

“We were looking at a Next Star which fell through the ranks, but there are other Next Stars that are still available, so we’ll take our time to pick our players that fit our group and will help us in the long run.”

One of the over 20 players currently looking to impress Bruton and the 36ers staff is NBL23 development player Fraser Roxburgh.

Roxburgh made his professional debut aged just 17 in NBL23 and is fighting to earn another season at the club.

The West Adelaide Bearcats NBL1 swingman is not the only high school-aged player looking to find a place within the 36ers’ program.

Sam Hughes starred for South Australia in the Under 16 National Championships in 2022, while Patrick D’Arcy represented SA Metro as a bottom-aged player at last year’s Under 18 nationals.

“Fraser Roxburgh was in Year 11 when he came to us,” Bruton said. “To have a player like him be identified at a young age … [it’s about] recognizing them early and giving them a chance to be a part of this while they’re still in school and, if not, in the future.

“I want people that want to play for Adelaide to be in Adelaide. That way the Adelaide fans can recognize them, understand who they are and get to support them.

“I don’t like to pigeonhole anybody … you’ve got to be given a window to showcase your skills, believe in your ability, then showcase that in an environment like this.

“Who’s the next kid who can contribute to helping the program, developing, and can someday help the 36ers? And, if not, [can we] still help them in their journey and play a pathway in their success?”

Adelaide’s NBL24 campaign begins on Friday, September 29 in Brisbane before the home opener against Melbourne United on Sunday, October 1.