IT WAS a successful end to Karim Lopez‘s time as a National Basketball League (NBL) Next Star, wrapping up his stint with the New Zealand Breakers in style to improve his draft stock even further after a two-year career with the team.

Lopez joined the Breakers last season, and immediately made an impression with his athleticism and defensive traits, slotting into New Zealand’s starting lineup in no time at all. Not draft eligible until 2026, the youngster was backed for a strong season in his second year with the team following another 12 months of development.

Making the most of his time in the NBL, Lopez is now projected to be a lottery selection, having elevated his game in his Sophomore campaign with New Zealand. He was steadfast in the Breakers’ starting lineup despite an inconsistent season from a team perspective, and was able to improve other facets of his game in the process.

Karim Lopez – New Zealand Breakers

2025/26 averages – 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.0 blocks
49.4 per cent FG, 73.9 per cent FT

Lopez improved his output in every area of his game during his second season in the Next Star program, which is huge for his draft chances. The Mexican entered NBL26 as a promising prospect, but in a stacked draft class, needed to elevate his game if he was to cement his place inside the top 20 potential draftees in June.

Now, he has emerged as the best international talent in the draft pool, and it is largely due to how much he improved for the Breakers over the past six months. Lopez’s growth in his own shot creation off the dribble was an instant improvement on his own game, being able to take his opponent into the low block after catching the ball at the top of the key.

Previously, Lopez had generated most of his points by cutting to the basket and getting on the end of some nice dish-off passes, mainly out of the hands of point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright. However, he became much more dangerous offensively now with a tendency to create his own shot, and it certainly impressed NBA scouts.

The draft prospect also improved his three-point shooting mechanics, ending the season as a player that the opposition could not afford to leave open. If he started the match with his eye in from behind the arc, it would often bode well for his scoring output for the match, as Lopez’s confidence would benefit greatly from finding the bottom of the net.

The young gun had his breakout performance to close out January, as his Breakers defeated Melbourne United in a thriller to keep their season alive. It was a result that could not have been achieved without the fourth-quarter efforts of Lopez, who dropped 19 points in the last to lead New Zealand to the comeback victory.

Lopez was electric with the team’s season on the line, finishing the contest with 32 points on 85.7 per cent from the field in a career-defining performance. It was the type of outing that cemented his place as the best international NBA draft prospect in the crop.

Given he hit double-digits in nine of his last 10 games, Lopez has well and truly locked himself into the draft pool, and will be the premier prospect to come out of the NBL as well. Although the college season is set to hit the pointy end and the standings could change, Lopez is looming for a lottery selection in the 2026 intake.