The start to the season has seen our NBL Next Stars producing at different levels.
Some have become focal points, others are improving as the season goes on, and a few haven’t seen enough court time to truly be judged on their ability and performances.
In these rankings, we look at who has risen, who is getting better, and who needs more opportunity to climb higher next time.
Here is the latest edition of the NBL Next Stars Power Rankings.
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**1\. Dash Daniels | 17 | Melbourne United | G | ESPN Rank: 10 | Previous Rank: 2**
Dash Daniels has taken the league by storm. The 17-year-old has become a crucial role player for Melbourne United, who have started the season 7-0. Daniels is averaging 6.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field.
Defensively, he has been outstanding – averaging 1.3 steals per game and often being tasked with guarding some of the league’s top perimeter players. Daniels is proving he’s ready for the NBA.
Speaking of the NBA, his performance against the New Orleans Pelicans was special. He finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, in a game United lost by 10 points. His -1 plus-minus showed how valuable he was when on the court.
Through the early part of the NBL season, Daniels ranks 22nd in the league for plus-minus – a tremendous achievement for a 17-year-old and a true testament to his importance.
While he’s still a teenager, his maturity and play are well beyond his years. With most of the season still ahead, expect his draft ranking to continue to climb.
Dash Daniels of United warms up ahead of the round five NBL match between Brisbane Bullets and Melbourne United at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, on October 17, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
**2\. Karim Lopez | 18 | New Zealand Breakers | F | ESPN Rank: 7 | Previous Rank: 1**
Karim Lopez has done nothing wrong to move down a spot – it’s simply a reflection of how well Daniels has been playing. The key difference is winning. While Lopez has been strong, the Breakers currently sit at 2-6.
Lopez is averaging 10.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 47% from the field. To his credit, he’s been on a minutes restriction as he works his way back from injury but is still producing at a high level.
His ability to run the floor, attack in isolation, and outwork his matchups has taken another step forward from last season. As a second-year professional, he’s clearly developing into a more polished and confident player.
With plenty of basketball still to come, Lopez has every chance to reclaim the top spot. Both he and Daniels remain a clear tier above the rest of this Next Stars class.
'Everything was false' Tatum tees off | 02:19
**3\. Malique Lewis | 20 | SEM Phoenix | F | ESPN Rank: Unranked | Previous Rank: 3**
Malique Lewis started the season slowly in terms of scoring and efficiency, but those numbers have steadily improved. He’s now putting together a solid campaign for one of the league’s surprise teams.
The Phoenix are 3-2 to start the year, and Lewis is averaging 23 minutes per game under coach Josh King. From last season to this one, he’s posting career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-point percentage.
Digging deeper into the numbers, Lewis’ impact stands out – his +12.8 plus-minus is the second-best in the entire league. His steady statistical rise shows he’s finding consistency and confidence within the Phoenix rotation.
With his combination of size, strength, and skill, Lewis has the tools to contribute at an elite level while still developing. After withdrawing from last year’s NBA Draft, he looks determined to make another run – and if his current trajectory continues, he’ll be right in that conversation.
Kings win despite Goorjian ejection | 01:58
**4\. Noa Kouakou-Heugue | 18 | Perth Wildcats | F | ESPN Rank: Unranked | Previous Rank: 4**
Noa Kouakou-Heugue has unfortunately seen limited action to start the season, logging just 5 minutes and 48 seconds on the court. In that time, he’s yet to score but has recorded two rebounds.
He’s competing for minutes in a crowded frontcourt alongside Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, Kristian Doolittle, David Okwera, Jesse Wagstaff, and Dylan Windler. It’s a tough rotation to break into right now, but his time will come.
As the season progresses, opportunities should increase, allowing him to show his full potential. Despite the slow start, his attitude and professionalism have been exemplary – no complaints, no frustration, just hard work and patience.
For a player with his upside, that mindset speaks volumes about his character and long-term potential.