Next stop, NBL26: Lewis runs it back with Phoenix

NBA prospect Malique Lewis has withdrawn his name from the 2025 NBA Draft and will return to the South East Melbourne Phoenix as a Next Star for NBL26.

The 20-year-old played an integral role in South East Melbourne’s top four finish in 2025 and will have a major say in the club’s hopes of claiming their inaugural championship next season.

Lewis, who hails from Trinidad & Tobago, will now set his sights on nominating for the 2026 NBA Draft.

“I’m really happy to be back in the Heartland and am excited for a big season ahead,” Lewis said.

“As a team, we had some good success last season but fell short of our ultimate goal. I’m looking forward to giving my all for the South East Melbourne fans again and having an even better season, both individually and collectively.”

Lewis showed tremendous growth across his first NBL season, as he carved out a starting role – starting 21 games – and became the team’s key point-of-attack defender, while showcasing his athleticism in transition.

Across the Hungry Jack's NBL25 season the versatile forward averaged seven points and four rebounds per game, becoming an important piece for head coach Josh King as the Phoenix came within one win of a Championship Series appearance.

“We look forward to welcoming Malique back to the Heartland and continuing the development process with him as he prepares for next year’s NBA Draft,” South East Melbourne General Manager, Simon Mitchell said.

“With the experience gained from last season, Malique should have an even greater impact for the Phoenix. It’s going to be great having him on the NBL26 roster.”

Lewis impressed recently at the prestigious Adidas Eurocamp in Italy, earning a spot on the camp’s All-Tournament Team.

A post shared by NBL Next Stars (@nblnextstars)

“We're super excited to have Malique back for a second year,” General Manager of Next Stars Recruitment, Liam Santamaria said.

“He's young, still only 20 years old, and I know he learned a lot across his first season as a Next Star. I'm expecting him to take a leap in NBL26 under the guidance of Coach King and his staff.”

Lewis joins projected first round NBA Draft picks Karim Lopez (New Zealand Breakers) and Dash Daniels (Melbourne United) as confirmed members of the NBL Next Stars Class of 2026.

“In addition to his high character and team-first approach, NBA teams love Malique's size, length, athleticism and defensive versatility,” Santamaria added.

“After his outstanding play in Italy last week, there's an air of excitement around his decision to reset for the 2026 draft.”

The Next Stars program is a proven pathway to the NBA for young prospects across the world, with six Next Stars having been selected in the first round of the past five NBA Drafts. In total, nine Next Stars have been drafted directly from the NBL to the NBA – LaMelo Ball (pick 3, 2020), RJ Hampton (pick 24, 2020), Josh Giddey (pick 6, 2021), Ousmane Dieng (pick 11, 2022), Rayan Rupert (pick 43, 2023), Alex Sarr (pick 2, 2024), AJ Johnson (pick 23, 2024), Bobi Klintman (pick 37, 2024) and Ariel Hukporti (pick 58, 2024).

Three Next Stars currently remain in consideration for this year’s NBA Draft; Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings), Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets) and Izan Almansa (Perth Wildcats).

‍