Mantas Rubstavicius is firming as a likely late-second round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but Breakers head coach Mody Maor believes the Next Star’s performance against the Sydney Kings in Wednesday night’s Play-In Qualifier should make him “jump 20 points” on draft boards.

Rubstavicius came off the bench in favour of the more terrier-like defender Izayah Le’Afa, however he played more minutes than anyone else in the Breakers’ second-unit.

He added five points and four assists before he fouled out in just over 18 minutes of play, and Maor believes the way in which Rubstavicius remained committed and physical in the victory should be a green check mark against his name from NBA sides.

 “If I’m an NBA team he just jumped 20 points on my draft board. This kid walked into the most hostile environment in a knockout game and played the most physical way a kid can play,” Maor said post-game.

“I couldn’t be prouder of him, he set the tone and it’s an incredible thing to say about a Next Star.

“Anybody pay attention? You should draft him, high.”

Rubstavicius has established himself as a trusted starter under Maor in the second half of the season, and has started 15 of a total 23 games in NBL24.

He’s averaged 9.5 points per game on over 50 per cent shooting from the field and 40 per cent from three across the campaign.

The Breakers’ win means they will now face the Illawarra Hawks in the Play-In Game on Monday at 7:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo.