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NZ Breakers sign French NBA prospect Rayan Rupert for Next Star role

  • June 10, 2022
  • Dan Boyce
  • NBL News
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France’s Rayan Rupert, coined “one of the most promising young wing players in the world” by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski will sign a 2 year deal with the New Zealand Breakers as a part of the Next Star program.

Rupert will be the third french NBA prospect to use the Breakers as a springboard with Ousmane Dieng and Hugo Besson, both set to be selected in the 2022 NBA draft, making the leap via the Breakers program last season.

Rupert, 2.01m (6’7) with a 2.21m (7’3) wingspan, is currently projected as the 21st pick in ESPN’s 2023 NBA mock draft, which puts him in similar territory to Ousmane Dieng, who is tipped to be selected in the first round in this years NBA Draft.

Both Dieng and Besson impressed NBA scouts during this NBL season. Dieng, 19, overcame a slow start to finish the season strongly, averaging 8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 40% from the field and 27 from deep, impressing scouts with his athleticism, length, scoring ability and potential. He scored in double-figure scoring in nine of his last 12 games and posted his season-high of 22 points in the Breaker’s final game of the season.

Besson, 21, signed as an import, was a more consistent performer, averaging 13.9 points, 3.9 boards and 2.5 assists while shooting 39% overall and 31 from deep.

Heading to the 2022 Draft, Dieng is currently ranked 12 while teammate Hugo Besson is at 39 in ESPN’s latest mock projection, although some outlets have him as high as 23.

Rupert, who just turned 18, has drawn comparisons to Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges because of the defensive versatility that comes with his wingspan, his ability to get into the passing lanes and the intensity with which he plays on defense.

The Rayan family has a strong basketball background with his older sister, Iliana becoming the 12th overall pick by the  Las Vegas Aces in the 2021 WNBA draft. His father, Thierry, was a EuroLeague player and captain of the French national team. He died in 2013 after a heart-related emergency.

Rupert graduated from the INSEP Academy in France where he averaged 13.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals in 27 games this season. INSEP is the same program that produced French NBA stars Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Ronny Turiaf.

While Rupert could have likely had his pick of top European clubs, it’s likely he’ll be able to get more extended playing time in the NBL while going against top-flight competition. Should things work out the way he hopes, Rupert could see his name moving up draft boards as the draft process unfolds.

The Breakers are expected to confirm the signing soon and have him join currently contracted players Thomas Abercrombie, Robert Loe, Sam Timmins, Daniel Fotu and Tom Vodanovich, William McDowell-White and Cameron Gliddon.

Free-agent Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’Afa is also set to be announced as another key signing this week.

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