The Brisbane Bullets have embarked on a daring recruitment drive as the franchise strives to maintain its position as an NBL powerhouse for the next five years.

Bullets general manager Jeff Van Groningen revealed the "generation next" plan on Thursday after he and owner Eddie Groves returned from a whirlwind scouting missing to the United States earlier this week.

Van Groningen had spent the past two weeks in California casting his eye over the influx of Australian players who had infiltrated the college system.

He also discussed a variety of topics relating to the local game with several high-profile NBA executives.

Van Groningen remained coy about which players made an impression but it is believed former AIS star Daniel Kickert has emerged as an immediate target for the Bullets.

Kickert, a 208cm forward, is averaging 21 points and six rebounds in his fourth season at St Mary's after spending time in the Boomers' squad earlier this year.

Van Groningen said it was important to get a recruitment head-start on the rest of the league with veterans Derek Rucker, Lanard Copeland and Mark Bradtke entering the twilight of their illustrious careers.

"We've got a pretty distinctive plan that includes both youth and experience and that's been on show over the past two weeks," he said.

"Derek was outstanding against West Sydney when he scored 45 points and then it was the younger guard Stephen Black who stepped up last night (against Cairns) with 40.

"It's fair to say there's 25 to 30 very very good Australian College players who could make an impact in this league.

"We want our share of players to join the likes of Black, Adam Gibson, Mick Hill and Brad Williamson and become generation next.

"The keys to the house will be handed over to them eventually."

Seventh-placed Brisbane (9-11) will be searching for a fourth straight win on Sunday when the Bullets travel to New Zealand to face the Breakers (3-16).

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