Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Draft expert Fran Fraschilla says Karim Lopez's NBL experience has him primed for NBA success.

23 Jun
NBL.com.au

NBA Draft expert Fran Fraschilla believes Karim Lopez's time in the NBL Next Stars program has prepared him perfectly for a successful transition to the NBA.

Lopez has been part of the program since he was 17 years old, developing his game against seasoned professionals while playing a key role for the New Zealand Breakers.

“He's playing against pro players, tough, rugged Aussies, and he's tough and rugged,” Fraschilla said.

“I think somewhere between 10 and 20 he's going to be picked and he's coming into the NBA with a toughness and physicality and athleticism.

“That's going to bode well for him.”

Lopez is the highest-scoring draft-eligible Next Star in the program’s history and could make more history as the first Mexican player ever drafted in the first round.

He is also looking to become the 12th Next Star drafted directly to the NBA.

Watch the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday at 10am AEST on ESPN.

__wf_reserved_inherit

Latest News

WATCH: Draft-bound NBL Next Star's top plays
WATCH: Draft-bound NBL Next Star's top plays

With the 2026 NBA Draft fast approaching, relive Next Star Karim Lopez's top plays.

Jun 20, 2026

Next Stars: The NBA pipeline rolls on
Next Stars: The NBA pipeline rolls on

13 NBL Next Stars have been drafted to the NBA since the program's inception.

Jun 19, 2026

Next Star impresses during pre-Draft workouts
Next Star impresses during pre-Draft workouts

Multiple teams are showing interest in NBL Next Star Karim Lopez ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.

Jun 19, 2026

Multiple NBA teams 'intrigued' by Next Star
Multiple NBA teams 'intrigued' by Next Star

Multiple teams are showing interest in NBL Next Star Karim Lopez ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.

Jun 18, 2026

NBA experts back Lopez as Lottery pick
NBA experts back Lopez as Lottery pick

In one week, NBL Next Star Karim Lopez could achieve his lifelong goal of reaching the NBA.

Jun 17, 2026

How the NBL prepared Karim Lopez for the NBA
How the NBL prepared Karim Lopez for the NBA

Karim Lopez believes the Next Stars program is a “great experience for any young kid that's trying to just pursue his dream”.

Jun 16, 2026

THROWBACK: Next Star explodes for career-high
THROWBACK: Next Star explodes for career-high

NBL Next Star Ousmane Dieng had a career night for the New Zealand Breakers against South East Melbourne during Round 19 of the Hungry Jacks NBL2 Season.

Jun 15, 2026

Handy hails Next Stars' Eurocamp triumph
Handy hails Next Stars' Eurocamp triumph

Next Stars Head Coach Phil Handy knows how important the 2026 adidas Eurocamp can be for rising talent’s careers.

Jun 15, 2026

Next Star helps Knicks end Championship drought
Next Star helps Knicks end Championship drought

Ariel Hukporti became the second straight NBL Next Star to win a NBA championship over the weekend.

Jun 15, 2026

For early access and updates, stay up to date with the hottest young basketball talent in the world. Sign up below and never miss a play or the next big moment.

By signing up you agree to the NBL Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The National Basketball League acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live & play. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present & emerging as well as all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community.