This year’s talented class of Next Stars have begun to find their way into rotations, with the most recent being Dash Daniels and Noa Kouakou-Heugue pushing their way into a bench role, and Karim Lopez and Malique Lewis continuing their solid play for their respective teams. 

Noa Kouakou-Heugue – Perth Wildcats

18-year-old French talent Kouakou-Heugue started the season off struggling to find minutes for the Perth Wildcats, either having DNP’s or just a couple of minutes off the bench. In five games, he is currently averaging three points and 1.8 rebounds on 67 per cent efficiency.

While these statistics don’t necessarily look great, his first three games were played with under three minutes per game. In the past two games, he has seen himself play more minutes, and he’s been able to play to the best of his ability in his limited time.

His first NBL points came from a massive dunk coming off an Elijah Pepper dish off pass, and from there he was able to continue his inside scoring ability, finishing the game with eight points and four rebounds rebounds in a win against the Cairns Taipans.

He followed that game up with a 7 point game in just 8 minutes in a one point loss to Illawarra, proving to coach John Rillie that he is well deserving of some quality minutes and that he belongs in this league. In Perth’s most recent outing against the Tasmania JackJumpers, Kouakou-Heugue had a DNP due to a hip-flexor injury, which only sidelined him for that game.

Rillie has taken notice of Kouakou-Heugue’s recent play, and we should expect to see him on the court more often now that he has shown his stardom and ability.

Dash Daniels – Melbourne United

NBA hopeful Daniels has been impressive so far this season, playing around 17 minutes a night and showing off his defensive versatility and awareness. The 17 year old is averaging around six points, but it’s his defensive play that’s been impressing the NBA scouts.

Like his older brother Dyson, Dash’s defence and ability to pick off passes and ball handlers is unlike no other, and is up to NBA standard. Whilst his offensive game still has work to do, his development throughout this season will help him develop his game and if he expects to play the point guard position in the NBA, this development will be needed.

Being a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA draft, if he continues showing his defensive game and improving on his offensive game, there is no doubt that he will be in the league in no time. For Daniels to play consistent and valuable minutes for the championship favourite and unbeaten Melbourne United squad, it truly shows how great of a player he is at just 17.

Karim Lopez – New Zealand Breakers

Another 2026 projected lottery pick is Lopez, a 2007-born wing who has been a solid contributor ever since he joined the New Zealand Breakers in 2024. In his debut season, he was able to put up a solid 9.6 points per game along with 4.7 rebounds, showing to be one of the Breakers standout players.

So far this season, he is playing roughly 22 minutes a game, providing around 10 points and six rebounds per matchup. At six-foot-eight, he already possesses NBA size, and his smooth game paired with his athleticism, he will fit right into an NBA roster. While the Breakers are struggling to put wins together and are currently sitting at ninth place, Lopez has been one of the bright spots for the club.

Malique Lewis – SEM Phoenix

2004-born Malique Lewis is in his second year for the SE Melbourne Phoenix, previously playing for the Capitanes CDMX in the NBA G League. As a starter and essential player, his athleticism and defensive versatility has helped the Phoenix become such a good team.

In his 22 minutes a game, he is putting up 7.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. His defensive statistics also are at 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks. While his offensive game and consistency has been questionable, there’s no question that his defence has helped him be a useful piece to the roster.