From the pool to the hardwood: Rocco Zikarsky is making a splash

DOHA (Qatar) - Rocco Zikarsky is extremely proud to be carrying the family name while waving the Australian flag in the ongoing FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2022.

"You know, it's a blessing to be able to come in and have Zikarsky at the back of the Australian jersey."

"It means a lot to me and my family back home who are extremely supportive of me. Yeah, it's a blessing, really," said the 15-year-old. 

The soft-spoken center draws attention whenever he sets foot at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall. He's definitely a can't-miss presence with his 2.17M (7'1") frame, which also makes him the tallest in the competition.

He turns heads wherever he goes around the court, but not so long ago, it wasn't just in basketball gyms where he stood out of the crowd. Prior to this run as a promising prospect on the hardwood, Zikarsky had many gawk at him at aquatic centers, too.

Zikarsky used to be a swimmer, greatly influenced by his father Bjorn, an Olympic bronze medalist from 4x100m freestyle event of the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.

"I was a swimmer back home for nine years," recalled the younger Zikarsky, humbly adding that he'd also copped a "couple of national medals."

But he ultimately chose to trade his trunks and goggles for sneakers, a decision he made after the NBA Global Academy came calling.

"It got to that point around last year where I had to pick a sport that I really wanted to go with," he said. "The NBA Global Academy came calling, and I just felt like I have more opportunities and more pathways going through basketball."

"Swimming was part of honoring my dad. He was a really good swimmer, and I was thankful I was able to carve out a legacy as long as I could."

Now, he's on the path to create his very own legacy.

If you've been paying attention, Zikarsky is off to a good start, based on the way he's been performing for the Crocs.

The Queensland native is averaging 14.7 points on 68.8 percent shooting along with 13.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, helping Australia sweep Group A with a perfect 3-0 record. At the moment, his field goal shooting percentage as well as his rebounding and blocks average rank among top 2 i the competition.

His finest outing so far was in his debut, where he posted 18 points on a 9-11 clip from the field alongside 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks to lead his side to a dominant 95-47 win over India.

Zikarsky is in awe of how different the competition is in these FIBA event and is having fun at the same time as he's enjoying the whole ride with his team.

"It's a whole different level. I feel it just in the atmosphere, with my teammates ... everything is at a much higher level," he offered. 

"It's fun to be able to go out there and play with friends, and keep on taking those steps forward, you know, and getting closer and closer to being the best team possible," added the big man.

Zikarsky is garnering more and more attention as an high level prospect with his fine play. There's pressure, he admits, but refuses to get carried away by it.

"There's a little bit of pressure. But my siblings and my teammates, for sure, are keeping me humble and making sure I don't get too big of a head," he quipped. 

He did not hide his desire, though, of one day becoming the next athlete from Australia to make his way into the next level.

"Ultimate goal is to be playing professionally - in the NBA, hopefully," said Zikarsky. "As long as I'm still playing basketball, I'm happy."

Zikarsky mentioned global stars like Nikola Jokic and Kristaps Porzingis as some of those he looks up to. When asked if there's someone whom he patterns his game after, however, he said that he just wants to be himself.

"I do like a lot of players in the NBA," he said. "I don't really feel like I have a play style similar to anyone else in the NBA right now. I'm trying to create my own pathway and just doing what I'm good at."

Surely, he's treading the right path.

FIBA