2025/26 NBL Next Star season review – Noa Koakou-Hengue
IT WAS a season of limited opportunity for National Basketball League (NBL) Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue during his first campaign in the program, with the youngster not hitting the court often for the Perth Wildcats. Following in the footsteps of one of the biggest Next Star success stories in fellow Frenchman Alexandre Sarr, Kouakou-Hengue signed […]
2025/26 NBL Next Star season review – Karim Lopez
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 […]
Lopez rounds out Next Star years with strong showing
ONE OF the most impressive prospects to come through the National Basketball League (NBL) Next Stars program, Karim Lopez wrapped up his time in the competition with another impressive performance as the New Zealand Breakers defeated the Adelaide 36ers to win the Ignite Cup. In their final game of the 2025/26 fixture, the Breakers took […]
Lewis lively in win over Breakers
HEADING towards the conclusion of his final season as a Next Star in the National Basketball League (NBL), Malique Lewis was one of the standouts as the SEM Phoenix defeated the New Zealand Breakers last Thursday. The Phoenix are well-placed heading into their upcoming finals campaign, having established a strong identity on both ends of […]
Paul signs as Next Star in huge coup
ONE OF the best Australian basketball prospects of the 2020s has affirmed his love for his home country, with Luke Paul joining the National Basketball League (NBL) Next Stars program as his pathway to the top level. Paul is a highly regarded young talent, and at just 16 years of age, still has plenty of […]
Lopez lights it up against JackJumpers
IT WAS yet another strong showing from NBL Next Star and NBA Draft prospect Karim Lopez, who was again among the top performers as his New Zealand Breakers defeated the Tasmania JackJumpers over the weekend. The Next Star has been in excellent form this season, showing why he is considered to be a lottery selection […]
Kouakou-Heugue makes his mark in blowout win
AFTER biding his time off the bench over the first month of the season, National Basketball League (NBL) Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue was able to show off his craft as his Perth Wildcats delivered a thumping win over the Cairns Taipans. Kouakou-Heugue joined the Wildcats over the offseason, following in the footsteps of fellow French […]
Lopez lights it up again despite defeat
ALTHOUGH it has been a slow start to the 2025/26 National Basketball League (NBL) season for the New Zealand Breakers as a whole, Next Star and NBA Draft prospect Karim Lopez has been a shining light for the team. Lopez impressed again in the loss to the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday […]
Lewis shows promise against Pelicans
THE SECOND of the NBL x NBA clashes took place at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon, with the New Orleans Pelicans facing the SEM Phoenix in another exhibition clash, and although the result was disappointing, Next Star Malique Lewis stood out. Lewis withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft to return to the Phoenix and […]
Daniels impresses in NBA test against Pelicans
WITH his side putting up a strong challenge to the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, National Basketball League (NBL) Next Star Dash Daniels caught the eye for Melbourne United in the 10-point loss at John Cain Arena. United kicked off the NBL x NBA weekend of action in Melbourne by hosting the Pelicans on Friday night. […]
