| Rocco Zikarsky | |
| Number: | 11 |
| Team: | Brisbane Bullets |
| Position: | Center |
| League: | NBL |
| Birth Date: | 11 July 2006 |
| Birth Place: | Queensland, Australia |
| Height Cm: | 220 |
| Weight Kg: | 103 |
| Career Start: | 2023 |
| Years1: | 2023 |
| Team1: | BA Centre of Excellence |
| Years2: | 2023–present |
| Team2: | Brisbane Bullets |
Rocco Zikarsky (born 11 July 2006)[1] is an Australian professional basketball player for the Brisbane Bullets of the National Basketball League (NBL). Standing at 7'3" (221 cm), he is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Australian basketball.[2]
Zikarsky, the son of German Olympic medal-winning swimmer Björn Zikarsky,[3] was born in Queensland, Australia. From an early age, his towering height and natural athleticism drew attention. He excelled in Queensland representative teams and was a standout player at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, an elite training center for top basketball prospects.
Zikarsky gained significant attention while playing for the Centre of Excellence in the NBL1 East during the 2023 season. His performances there, combined with his work at the NBA Global Academy, solidified his reputation as one of Australia's most promising young big men.
In April 2024, he led Australia to victory at the Albert Schweitzer-Tournament, earning MVP honors. He averaged 18.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game on 73.1% shooting, showcasing his dominance and potential on the international stage.[4]
At the age of 16, Zikarsky joined the NBL Next Stars program, a pathway designed to develop elite young talent. He signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Bullets, becoming the youngest player in the program's history.[5] In his preseason debut, Zikarsky recorded 23 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks in just 20 minutes against California Baptist.[6]
During his first NBL season, Zikarsky had limited playing time but showed flashes of his potential, including a notable performance against the Sydney Kings where he blocked four shots in 11 minutes. He played in 27 of the Bullets' 28 games in the 2023-24 season, averaging 3.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks on 59.7% shooting in 7.0 minutes per game.[7]
Zikarsky is considered one of the top prospects for the 2025 NBA draft.[8]
In addition to his success at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, Zikarsky was selected to headline the Australian Boomers team for a series against Japan in June 2024. Alongside fellow NBL Next Star Alex Toohey, he represented Australia's emerging talent in the Nissay Cup.