It would be one thing if they're both just pulling these stunts to go back home for Christmas but if they both don't play for their teams again this season I think this will be the end of the Next Stars program.

Hell of a coincidence! I would really like to think that this is just one of those things, but the cynic in me just won't let me do so.

To be fair though, I can't blame Hampton for bailing. The Breakers have been a mess this season after showing some promise early on.

No tin foil hats...just reality. This is the BEST case scenario for the Next Stars program, guys choose to skip collage and play in the NBL and get drafted high, making other potential lottery picks come.

Its the risk the league and teams will have to take if they want a 'Next Star', when their stock is highest they may bail to protect it.

Hasn't Hampton's draft position dropped since coming here? Prob needs to show a bit more to move up, thought he was estimated to go at #3 before he came to the NBL, now he's projected at #5?

Very coincidental.
Didi won't be injured though as he was drafted already.

So, if the deal with Next Stars is that we expect to only have them until Christmas, do we still go with the program?

Much as I disliked the idea in the beginning because of all the emphasis on the entertainment and social media, I still think it has been great for the game here and hope it continues.

Will they end up going home for Christmas.

let's wait and see or support their teams

Since when does Hampton have a "Top 5 draft status locked up"? The very first mock draft I looked at had him barely in the top 10...

I think there's a right to be sceptical.

The nondescript way the injury is advertised; its like they don't want people to know exactly what's wrong so they can have the flexibility to spin whatever they need to after the 4/6 weeks is up (e.g. if they described it as a sprained ankle people would rightfully hold them to account if he didn't come back after the 4 weeks). I heard it being described as a "long-term injury". LaMelo's is also nondescript being based off "specialist opinion".

I'm sure that we'll give it 4 - 6 weeks, then at the end of that time, there will be another media release that RJ is heading home to rehab his hip injury based on specialist opinion or something like that;


Frankly, I don't know if I've seen enough to suggest to me that RJ is a lottery pick. But at the end of the day the draft is a comparative exercise, so can't fully say that without knowing the other talent. But on its own, I haven't seen enough to suggest top 15.

"Its not win-win for NZ or the Hawks."

Pretty sure Jersey sales and memberships are non-refundable

anyone didn't think this would happen with Next stars who will actually get drafted?

Its all good to have these guys but they aren't playing once a draft spot is secured and teams give them positive feedback.


They'll only stay in town to get paid and "rehab" and non contact basketball work!

Terrence Ferguson was recruited by 1 NBL coach as an athletically talented but underdeveloped kid from high school, so he could skip College and get drafted after 1 season. He plays out the season, his team makes finals. He is used as a role player by his team.

NBL run with this idea. They dress it up as a Next Stars program and promote the idea and the young players. This season 2 kids who are athletically talented but underdeveloped are recruited from high school so they can skip College and get drafted under 1 season. They are both given starting roles on their teams, and are expected to run the point. They both "experience injuries" just before Christmas, their teams don't look like making the finals (and are absolute shit storms) and we are now speculating that they will not return for the remainder of the season.

Progress?

(I haven’t included Didi, he’s already a “seasoned” pro in comparison).

As long as this isn't used by the (AFL) media for a good laugh at our expense (again)

I'm all for draft and stash as long as the other 8 teams are entitled to it .

Rumour has it that Ball was offered to multiple teams, including Cairns. They turned it down. Seems like a smart move.