Karim Lopez’s remarkable rise reached another milestone on Wednesday, Australian time, when he became the first Mexican player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old was taken with the 21st overall pick, landing in Memphis via Detroit, and in the process became the 12th NBL Next Star drafted directly to the NBA.

“I’m blessed … I have no words,” a teary Lopez said on ESPN after hearing his name called.

Surrounded by his family, the former New Zealand Breaker soaked in a moment years in the making.

“It’s super special to be here,” he said.

“I wanted to represent my country. Represent where I’m from. Represent my faith, and represent myself and show the people who I am.”

The selection caps an extraordinary journey for Lopez, who spent the past two seasons developing with the New Zealand Breakers and finished his NBL career as the highest-scoring Next Star in the program’s history.

“I’ve always been a confident person. A confident player,” he said.

“All the hard work I’ve put in. I know who I am. I know what I’m capable of.”

Lopez’s success is the latest example of the impact of the NBL’s Next Stars program, following in the footsteps of players such as Josh Giddey, LaMelo Ball and Alex Sarr, who used the pathway to launch their NBA careers.

There could be more to come, with South East Melbourne Phoenix prospect Malique Lewis also in contention to hear his name called in the second round later on Thursday, Australian time.