A huge individual performance from Bobi Klintman against the Perth Wildcats almost helped dragged his team over the line, in a strong week for the NBL’s Next Stars.

Klintman had 24 points, seven rebounds, three steals, an assist and a block in an all-round performance that showed his ability at both ends of the floor. 

The Swede’s draft stocks are no doubt on the rise after two 20-point performances in a fortnight. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Impressive performance from projected first round pick Bobi Klintman. Efficient and impactful, flashing his genuine lottery upside. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBADraft?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBADraft</a> <br><br>24 points<br>6/8 FG<br>3/4 3PT<br>9/10 FT<br>7 rebounds <br>1 assist<br>3 steals<br>1 block<br>+17 <a href="https://t.co/EBCDAgZrHC">pic.twitter.com/EBCDAgZrHC</a></p>&mdash; Liam Santamaria (@Liam_Santa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Liam_Santa/status/1739645787330552051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Mantas Rubstavicius battled with injury in the early part of the season, but the Lithuanian young gun has stepped it up in recent weeks.

The 21-year-old has averaged 18 points across his last three outings and double-figure scoring in the last five.

A 15-point haul against Brisbane and 17 points against Sydney at the start of the round were key for the Breakers, and he continues to up his production too, with 20-plus minutes in his last five appearances.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Starting, and making a massive impact ?<br><br>Mody Maor is putting Mantas Rubštavi?ius in the driver&#39;s seat and he is thriving ?<br><br>Check out his highlights over the past five games for the <a href="https://twitter.com/NZBreakers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZBreakers</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/rpvG3lKCc3">pic.twitter.com/rpvG3lKCc3</a></p>&mdash; NBL Next Stars (@NBLNextStars) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBLNextStars/status/1740173772039377151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Klintman may have stolen the show in Cairns, but Alex Sarr had ultimate bragging rights as the Wildcats claimed the win, and he played a key role. 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block was nothing to be sneezed at, after a solid outing against Melbourne earlier in the round. 

Sarr went head-to-head with Ariel Hukporti in the open-air game, and it’s fair to say the fellow draft hopefuls shared the spoils.

Hukporti pulled down 12 rebounds to go with six points in 18 minutes of action, and was at times preferred to Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. as Dean Vickerman’s go-to big man.

Alex Toohey has been one of the biggest risers in mock NBA drafts in recent weeks, and he did his prospects no harm with 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks against New Zealand early in Round 12. 

He had a quieter outing against Illawarra in a tough day for the Kings, but continues to take great strides in his development. 

Rocco Zikarsky is being called upon in key moments for the Brisbane Bullets and many experts are calling for more court-time for the 7’3 teen. 

His 13 minutes against New Zealand on Sunday was the most he’s played since way back in October, so perhaps that opportunity is coming.

Zikarsky’s seven points was his highest output of the season, and coupled with four rebounds and two blocks, he’s ready to step things up, if offered the chance. 

AJ Johnson had some promising moments against Tasmania in 10 minutes of action, with two points and two assists, while Trentyn Flowers only played eight minutes in the 36ers’ one game of Round 12, but could be primed for more court-time in Round 13.