From projected first round picks, to NBA championship winners, the Hungry Jack's NBL is attracting talent like never before.

In just the past fortnight, the league has seen a flurry of high-profile moves, including the signing of three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee, the addition of Australian NBA title-winner Alex Ducas, and the recruitment of exciting young names like Jackson Ball and Reyne Smith (reported). All-NBL First Teamer Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. and G League standout Javon Freeman-Liberty have also joined the fold.

Speaking on NBL Now, CEO David Stevenson highlighted not only the level of talent fans can expect to see this season, but also the opportunity for the league's emerging youngsters and Next Stars to rapidly develop against seasoned professionals.

“If you’re Karim Lopez, you can go and play college and you’ll play against 19 and 20 year olds, and they’re developing and finding their game. Or, you play in the NBL and you go up against Montrezl [Harrell],” Stevenson said.

“The experience you’re going to get, the learnings, everything that comes with that I think gives them the best case of showing that they can make that transition in the NBA.

“The league helps demonstrate to that Next Star that if you can compete against NBA-quality talent in the NBL, then you’ve got a great chance at being successful in the NBA.”

The Next Stars program has seen six young prospects selected in the first round of the last six NBA Drafts, with that number set to grow as the program’s reputation continues to rise among emerging talent and agents worldwide.

Stevenson praised the program and its accolades, noting that the league’s level of talent is closely monitored by NBA scouts each season.

“It’s a genuine pathway to the NBA,” he said. “It continues to be a great success. The fact that NBA teams come out [here] and spend so much time here and scout them, and ultimately draft them, says how much they value and appreciate the development pathway for players playing in the NBL.

“Those players could easily go and make more money in college in NIL (name, image and likeness).

“If you’re after short term money, yes college is a pretty good option. If you’re in for a long-term career that involves the NBA, then I think the Next Stars is the best place for you.”

The Next Stars' newest recruit Noa Kouakou-Huegue has landed in Australia, ready to begin his journey with the Perth Wildcats.

The French prospect is hoping to follow the path of countryman Alex Sarr, who lit up the NBL in Perth, before being selected second overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.

He's joined by Lopez, Melbourne United's Dash Daniels and South East Melbourne Phoenix's Malique Lewis in the program for NBL26.