ROUND 3 of the National Basketball League (NBL)’s 2024/25 season saw some cracking contests and big upsets, with the competition’s Next Stars right in the thick of it.

With just five Next Stars suiting up for the 2024/25 season, there will be plenty of attention on each and every player within the program over the coming months, and how they perform on a weekly basis.

Despite not all players being draft eligible this year, all five participants will be looking to use every match to boost their output and continue their quest to make the NBA.

Rookie Me Central will be posting weekly updates on how all five Next Stars perform week in week out, and how their performances are affecting their draft stock.

NBL Next Stars – Round 3

Karim Lopez – New Zealand Breakers

Lopez had his best weekend as a Next Star to date, and impressively did it against the best possible opposition. The Breakers took on the Utah Jazz in an NBA preseason clash, and although they lost by nearly 30 points, Lopez was a shining light. He posted 13 points on 5/8 shooting from the field alongside seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block in a tremendous all-around performance against an NBA defence.

>>KARIM LOPEZ PLAYER FOCUS<<

Rocco Zikarsky – Brisbane Bullets

Although his minutes are not at the level many expected heading into the 2024/25 season, Zikarsky continues to make an impact whenever on the floor. In 15 minutes of action, he poured in 11 points on 4/6 shooting from the field in the loss to the Sydney Kings on Saturday night. Zikarsky even nailed a rare three-pointer, showing he can stretch the floor on some occasions. He also pulled down five rebounds and a block and continues to produce impressive numbers in limited opportunities.

Alex Toohey – Sydney Kings

Toohey was solid without being outstanding in the win over the Bullets on Saturday night, duelling with Zikarsky for the first time this season. The forward had 11 points on 3/9 shooting from the field and also pulled down two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in a decent showing from the 2025 NBA Draft prospect. Toohey has certainly been the most consistent Next Star this season, and although he was wasteful at times on the shooting front, he still looks reliable as a player.

Malique Lewis – SEM Phoenix

Although the Phoenix are having a poor start to the season, Lewis was impressive in the loss to the Sixers on the weekend. Lewis has been coming off the bench, and slowly building towards better performances and increased production. Against Adelaide, the forward was dangerous whenever on the court, and in 13 minutes of floor time, posted 14 points on 5/8 shooting from the field and 2/3 shooting from behind the three-point line. He should get more opportunity as a result of this sort of performance, and it could be a turning point in his draft year.

Izan Almansa – Perth Wildcats

Almansa’s opportunity for Perth increased over the weekend, and although he may not have lit the world on fire on the scoresheet, it was still a step forward for the draft prospect. Across two games, he posted 14 points and five rebounds, and although he is yet to truly find his feet at NBL level, the forward is growing in confidence each game, and does not seem far off a breakout performance in the coming weeks.