The 2024-25 NCAA basketball season is nearly upon us, and with it comes a fresh wave of talented Australian and New Zealand players ready to make their mark on the college game. From high-profile recruits to intriguing transfers and potential breakout stars, there’s no shortage of Aussies and Kiwis to keep an eye on this year.
Duke’s Tyrese Proctor Aims to Boost NBA Draft Stock
One of the most compelling storylines centers around Duke guard Tyrese Proctor. The 6’6″ Sydney native is entering his pivotal third season with the Blue Devils, and many believe this could be the year he cements his status as an NBA prospect. According to draft experts, Proctor needs to showcase assertiveness and consistent production to solidify his draft stock.
Jon Scheyer told me, ‘For us to do what we wanna do this year, it’s all gonna start with our guards’… he’s already talking about Tyrese.
– Jonathan Givony, ESPN Draft Analyst
Alex Condon Primed for Breakout at Florida
Another Aussie generating significant buzz is Florida big man Alex Condon. After an impressive freshman campaign, the Perth native seems poised for a breakout sophomore season. Condon’s unique blend of size, mobility, and shooting touch has many excited about his long-term potential.
Florida head coach Todd Golden didn’t mince words when discussing his expectations for the 6’11” Condon this season:
The expectation for him is going to go up a lot. It’s going to be a big challenge for him. We’re building around him.
– Todd Golden, Florida Head Coach
Kiwis to Watch: Halaifonua and Gold
On the New Zealand front, two players stand out as particularly intriguing prospects. Freshman big man Julius Halaifonua brings tantalizing size and skill to Georgetown, while Ben Gold looks to take the next step in his development at Marquette. Both Kiwis possess the tools to make a significant impact this season.
Aussie Transfers Turning Heads
A pair of high-profile Australian transfers are also generating significant intrigue. Former Charleston sharpshooter Reyne Smith followed his head coach to Louisville, where he’s expected to provide instant offense. Meanwhile, Anthony Dell’Orso parlayed a breakout season at Campbell into a move to Arizona, where he’ll look to prove himself at the high-major level.
Dell’Orso made his intentions clear: “My goal is the NBA. That’s what I’ve always dreamt of. I can come here and I know I can get better.” If he can live up to his potential with the Wildcats, the NBA could very much be in reach.
Mid-Major Stars on the Rise
While the high-major talents may garner most of the headlines, there are several Aussies at mid-major programs poised for breakout seasons. Achor Achor (Kansas State), Mawot Mag (BYU), and a host of talented big men, including Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State) and Harrison Hornery (USC), all seem primed to take their games to the next level.
The Saint Mary’s and Portland Pipelines
No discussion of Australian college talent would be complete without mentioning Saint Mary’s and Portland, two programs renowned for their Aussie pipeline. This season is no exception, with the Gaels boasting three Aussies, headlined by skilled big man Harry Wessells, and Portland featuring a quartet of promising prospects.
Future NBL Stars in the Making?
Of course, many of these college standouts have ambitions that extend beyond the NCAA. With the NBL always on the lookout for top homegrown talent, several of the players mentioned above could soon find themselves on the radar of professional teams back home.
One thing is certain: the 2024-25 NCAA season promises to be a fascinating one for fans of Australian and New Zealand basketball. With so many talented Aussies and Kiwis spread across the college hoops landscape, there will be no shortage of compelling storylines to follow. The journey to March Madness begins now, and these Oceania standouts will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the season’s narrative.
