A Set the default text size
The NBL is quickly becoming one of basketball’s best-kept secrets as it continually proves itself as a launchpad for the next generation.
From veterans to young stars, the NBL is right in the middle of blossoming into one of the world’s most impressive and established basketball leagues.
Since the league’s establishment in 1979, the NBL has been seen to do one thing very well. Developing young talent. From homegrown prospects such as Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut to more recent success in developing overseas players such as Alex Sarr and LaMelo Ball, the NBL is certainly moving in the right direction.
With some young players trending away from the classic college route of making the NBA, the NBL has become a hotspot for developing young players. This trend has only been seen to continue as the newest phenom in NBL basketball is making his mark across the ditch for the New Zealand Breakers.
Karim Lopez who hails from Hermosillo, Mexico, stands at 6 ft 8 and moves as swiftly as any guard on the floor, utilising his combination of size and agility to beat defenders effortlessly.
The combination of skills possessed by Lopez has already been a problem for teams around the league and he continues to demonstrate his maturity on both ends. This maturity has certainly not gone unnoticed, as Lopez’s draft stock continues to climb, projecting him firmly inside next year’s top 10.
One notable aspect of Lopez’s game is that he is constantly improving in terms of consistency. In his time Down Under, Lopez has brought his 3-point percentage up from 30 to 45%, with his field goal percentage sitting comfortably at 50%.
While averaging an impressive 10 points in a famously defensive league, Lopez continues to surprise scouts and defenders with his versatility and toughness. Said toughness was on show recently when Lopez was on the receiving end of a head clash which saw him split his eyebrow and come from the court.
Despite the Breakers dominating the game and being up by more than 30 in the fourth quarter, Lopez checked back in with his head wrapped like an NRL player and continued to shine on both ends of the court. Finishing with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in only 21 minutes.
The NBL is continually growing into one of the world’s best basketball competitions, and players like Lopez are prime examples of why that is.
Not only does the NBL host some of Australia’s most competitive and experienced players, but they are also home to some of the world’s brightest young stars and have consistently proven their ability to develop them.
As the year goes on and the season continues, it will be very interesting to watch how Lopez develops and see where he lands in next year’s NBA draft.