Top of the class: Teenage talents fuel NBA hopes

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

next stars

Two of the NBL’s brightest young prospects, Karim Lopez and Dash Daniels, are climbing the NBA Draft boards.

Two of this season's standout Next Stars are projected to be among the top picks in next year’s NBA Draft, according to Sports Illustrated’s latest mock.

Mexican teenage sensation Karim Lopez is projected at number seven in the latest mock draft following an outstanding rookie season with the New Zealand Breakers.

Now in his second season with the Next Stars program, Lopez is now eligible for the Draft and aims to climb even higher up the ranks with a strong NBL26 campaign.

The 18-year-old made history last season as the youngest player ever to record a double-double, earning a starting role from day one under Petteri Koponen and delivering on the big stage.

Melbourne United’s rising talent Dash Daniels is projected at pick 11 in the latest mock draft and has showcased his immense potential at both the FIBA Asia Cup and CODE Sports NBL Blitz.

At just 17, Daniels became the youngest player since Ben Simmons to debut for Australia in Jeddah, helping the Boomers secure Gold and complete a dominant three-peat.

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