Luke Paul has drawn comparisons to Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey ever since he joined the NBL Next Stars program at the 2026 HoopsFest.

It's not hard to see why: both are tall, ball-handling point guards who impact the game in similar ways and have a knack for stuffing the stat sheet.

The 17-year-old Paul appreciates the comparisons to his fellow Next Star, but he's quick to note he's his own player.

"People will say that we play the same, but at the same time, there's things that we do the same and then there's things that we are completely different about," Paul said to foxsports.com.au.

"I think it's a pretty cool comparison to have, but at the same time, I want to be my own person, be my own player, create a name for myself and bring my name up in the basketball world."

That player, the Willetton product believes, is one who makes those around him better.

"I think my teammates trust me in who I am and what I am. But it's always going to be about learning at such a young age to come into the League as a 17-year-old," he said.

"There's going to be some nervous moments and then there's going to be some moments where I'm saying 'I've got this, this is me.' But it's all about learning and there's going to be moments throughout the season where I get bumped off my line or I get dunked on, so there's going to be so many different things, but it's all about learning."

Paul, who is currently sidelined by an ankle injury, is set to miss the Taipans' season-opener against the Kings at Afterpay Arena on Sunday, September 20.

Read the full story here >> 17yo phenom Luke Paul opens up on how he’ll approach debut NBL season, Josh Giddey comparisons