Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Rocco Zikarsky
Position: Center
Team: Brisbane Bullets (Australia)
Class: International
Height/Weight: 7'2", 227 lbs
Birthdate: July 11, 2006
High School: BA Centre of Excellence (Australia)
Player Overview
Rocco Zikarsky is an intriguing young center with elite size, mobility, and rim-protecting instincts. Standing at 7'2" with a 7'5" wingspan, he's a natural lob threat, pick-and-roll presence, and shot-blocker. His ability to finish around the rim with authority, solid hands, and footwork make him an efficient interior scorer.
While Zikarsky has the foundational skills of an NBA center, his long-term potential will be determined by his ability to expand his offensive game and improve his lateral quickness on defense. His shooting range remains a work in progress, and questions persist about his ability to defend in space against quicker perimeter players. Additionally, his free throw efficiency will be a key area of improvement, as teams may look to exploit it at higher levels of competition.
"At 7'2", he’s obviously big but also skilled for his size. If he gets stronger and tightens up his overall game, he can become a good player." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Elite Size & Length: At 7'2" with a 7'5" wingspan, he alters shots and finishes easily around the basket.
Rim Protection: Strong shot-blocking instincts and defensive presence in the paint.
Lob Threat & Rim Runner: Effective in pick-and-roll sets and transition opportunities.
Interior Scoring: Finishes well in the low post with good touch and efficiency.
Strong Hands & Mobility: Moves well for his size and secures rebounds cleanly.
Concerns
Perimeter Defense: Struggles to stay in front of quicker players in space.
Shooting Range: Needs to develop a reliable outside shot to become a true stretch big.
Free Throw Efficiency: Must improve from the line to avoid becoming a liability in late-game situations.
Foul Management: He can be prone to unnecessary fouls, limiting his time on the floor.
Questions
Can he improve his lateral quickness to defend pick-and-pop bigs and perimeter threats?
Will his shooting range develop enough to be a modern floor-spacing center?
Can he refine his free throw shooting to avoid being targeted in late-game situations?
Bottom Line
Rocco Zikarsky possesses the physical tools and foundational skills of a modern NBA center. His rim protection, finishing ability, and mobility make him a strong prospect, but his long-term value will depend on his ability to stretch the floor offensively and defend quicker players in space. If he can improve his shooting and defensive versatility, he has the potential to be a highly impactful NBA big.