The NBL has long been a league fighting for global relevance in a crowded international basketball landscape. With so many high-quality competitions and elite pathways around the world, the league needed an innovative point of difference – and it found it with the NBL Next Stars program.
“It’s given the league a new level of relevance, particularly to the U.S. audience,” prominent Australian basketball scout and analyst Michael Houben says.
Launched ahead of the 2018/19 season, the Next Stars program was designed to provide a fast-tracked development pathway with specialised training, true professional exposure and guaranteed opportunity.
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Its design is simple: bring in elite young prospects, give them the best possible environment to develop, and ensure they play meaningful minutes. Not every team has taken on a Next Star every season, but almost all have participated at some point.
The inaugural year delivered one official Next Star, Brian Bowen II. The second year changed everything.
With LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton arriving in year two, the program exploded. They weren’t just high-profile signings – they were two of the biggest names in American high school basketball.
Ball went from an unranked prospect to the No.3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Hampton followed at No. 24. Overnight, the NBL had proven it could produce NBA talent – and the rest of the world noticed.
Since its inception 14 out of the 21 Next Stars players have been drafted, and a further two signed to NBA teams post the NBA Draft. Josh Giddey, Alex Sarr and most recently Alex Toohey are among the names to have successful used it as a launchpad.
“I’m really proud that the program continues to be a unique groundbreaking proven pathway to the NBA,” Next Stars GM of Recruitment Liam Santamaria told Fox Sports Australia.
“It’s about finding the right player that’s a great fit for the roster, the style of play, that coach, the whole environment that that individual club might have.”
The success of the program, however, has invited competition.
“There have been different things around the world, the introduction of G League Ignite, the changing college landscape, changes to some of the pro setups in Europe and elsewhere that have always kind of caused different challenges or competitive environments for the program,” Santamaria said.
Charlotte Hornets guard Lamelo Ball is arguably the biggest NBL Next Stars success story.
Charlotte Hornets guard Lamelo Ball is arguably the biggest NBL Next Stars success story.Source: AP
‘COMPETING THREATS’ OVERCOME
G League Ignite was the most direct competitor – a near-identical model launched in 2020 to pull top American prospects into the NBA system early. It was eventually shut down after four seasons, but it represented a major threat.
The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money has also made college more attractive than ever, offering immediate financial incentive to stay in the U.S.
Despite all this, the Next Stars program has not only survived – it has continued to thrive.
“The fact that they’ve been able to maintain it across the years that they have and get the talent that they have had through the doors has been incredibly exciting,” Houben said.
“Even the fact that now, in spite of all of the competing threats to the Next Stars program, the fact that they have potentially two lottery picks… speaks volumes to the program.
Across six seasons, 26 players have come through the program – and 14 have been drafted.
The program has shifted strategically over the years. Initially, the focus was American high-school stars. Later, the league pivoted to elite European prospects. Now, the next phase is emerging: a return to local talent.
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“I’d never get too hung up on the number of Next Stars that we have in any given year. I’m really just looking for players that are great fits for the program,” Santamaria said.
In the NBL26 class, that pivot is clear. In this year’s class the group is headlined by Mexican prodigy Karim Lopez and exciting Australian guard Dash Daniels.
“It does feel like the most latest pivot that we’re seeing is back towards local talent,” Houben says. “It’s very fortunate for us that there happens to be a heck of a lot of elite-level, potentially NBA-level talent coming through from Australia and New Zealand.”
It’s a logical step. The NBL is the strongest it has ever been, with growing relationships in Europe and the NBLxNBA preseason games – played on Australian soil for the first time. For a league built across Australia and New Zealand, investing in homegrown stars is essential.
With four Next Stars this season – Karim Lopez, Dash Daniels, Malique Lewis and Noa Kouakou-Heugue – both Santamaria and Houben believe the excitement is entirely justified. The class brings a mix of high-end NBA potential and diverse international backgrounds, continuing the program’s tradition of innovation.
This next wave symbolises exactly what the Next Stars program has become: a global pathway that continues to evolve, grow and position the NBL as a legitimate world-class development league.
So how is the NBL26 class shaping up in the lead-up to the NBA Draft? Let’s take a look:
KARIM LOPEZ: THE MEXICAN PRODIGY
Karim Lopez enters his second year as a Next Star with genuine optimism, excitement and a clear understanding of the areas he needed to improve. After a rookie campaign averaging 9.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 45% from the field and 30% from three, Lopez has lifted his production across the board through 15 games this season.
Santamaria said there was one area of focus – and Lopez has delivered.
“I think the biggest leap he’s taken is clearly in his three-point shooting, which is huge for him moving forward towards the draft initially and then his NBA career,” Santamaria stated.
“He’s jumped from a 31% three-point shooter to 40% right now at this point in the year.”
That improvement has changed everything. Lopez’s attempts from deep have risen only marginally – 2.6 to 3.1 per game – but he is already just one made three shy of last year’s total, achieved over 25 games. The efficiency combined with confidence is proving to be a major addition to his offensive profile.
Houben agreed when it came to Lopez’s evolution.
“This second year, I think we’ve seen a few very key improvements, which are helping consolidate his talent into someone who can actually step on an NBA floor next year and really make an impact,” Houbon stated.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: Karim Lopez of the Breakers looks on during the round nine NBL match between Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena, on November 15, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: Karim Lopez of the Breakers looks on during the round nine NBL match between Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena, on November 15, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“His key categories are his physicality, his rebounding, and in particular his ability to shoot the three ball because that’s something that he struggled with a little bit last year.”
Defensively, Lopez has also taken meaningful steps forward. His ability to guard on the perimeter while still being a capable interior defender has caught the attention of NBA scouts. When combined with his elite athleticism – and the ceiling still left to unlock – he fits the mould of a modern NBA frontcourt weapon.
“He’s the perfect modern archetype for an NBA prospect. He’s long, he’s extremely versatile, and he can protect the rim and the perimeter in equal measure,” Houbon explains.
What makes his strong start even more impressive is the adversity he faced early. Lopez dealt with a back injury throughout preseason and into the opening weeks of NBL26, yet his form has continued to rise.
“I like the fact that, with each passing game, he seems to be moving better and more freely,” Santamaria said.
It’s a sign of maturity – the ability to manage pain, play through discomfort and still produce. For NBA teams assessing an 82-game season, that matters.
Draft projections vary. Some mock drafts have Lopez inside the top 10, others in the late lottery or even outside the first round. But the consensus among those watching closely is clear: his talent is lottery calibre.
“I think Karim will be the first Next Star off the board. Just the combination of size and athleticism feels like a safer bet,” Houbon relayed.
“Ultimately, I think over the rest of this season, you might see mock drafts that have him here or there. I see him as a lottery guy, he has the potential to land in that top 10 at the end of the day,” Santamaria said.
Lopez offers the blend NBA teams covet – talent, defensive versatility, improved offensive output and room for even more growth. While front offices often look for one “elite” skill when drafting high, Houbon summed up the appeal perfectly:
“I think there are very few limitations in Karim’s game. And that’s part of the appeal.”
DASH DANIELS: THE SURPRISE PACKAGE
At just 17 years of age, Daniels has been even better than advertised. His start to the season has caught plenty off guard with his high-level play, consistent minutes and immediate impact on a championship-contending Melbourne United. Houbon admitted, “I didn’t think that Dash was ready to contribute more than maybe five or ten minutes per game this season at 17 years old.”
Daniels is currently averaging 16 minutes per game along with 5.8 points, three rebounds, 1.1 assists and just under one steal. Santamaria noted, “Coming into the season, there was a lot of hype around him. And some of it comes off the back of his brother and seeing what he’s been able to produce as well but I have been a little surprised. He has exceeded my expectations.”
What stands out most about Daniels is his defensive ability – his instinctive rotations in zone schemes and his capacity to lock down some of the league’s best players in one-on-one situations.
“The most impressive thing to me about Dash… he’s defending quite often the other team’s best player at 17,” Houbon said.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 23: Dash Daniels of United warms up prior to the round 10 NBL match between Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats at John Cain Arena on November 23, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 23: Dash Daniels of United warms up prior to the round 10 NBL match between Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats at John Cain Arena on November 23, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
According to SpatialJam, Daniels currently ranks as the 16th-best player in the NBL in defensive rating. This is a credit not only to his tenacity and natural defensive talent but also to the structure and system overseen by Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman.
“I think Melbourne has been in the perfect situation for him and it’s unlocked his ability to contribute right away,” Houbon added.
“Dean Vickerman is already inserting him in key moments in fourth quarters and crunch time for what he brings, especially at the defensive end,” Santamaria echoed.
Offensively, Daniels has also been reliable in his rookie campaign, shooting 43% from the field and 34% from three. Most of his points have come in transition or from spot-up corner attempts, but he has also shown flashes of on-ball creation when opportunities arise.
“The fact that he’s been put in positions to attack is making his offensive game look a lot better. You can see that he’s not afraid to take shots and he’s not afraid to drive in and bump a guy at 17 years of age,” Houbon stated.
“He’s shooting 36% from three, which is really impressive for a guy that’s still working on that stroke and building his confidence in that skill,” Santamaria said.
Interestingly, Daniels was a primary ball-handler and scorer at junior level. His ability to adapt – flourishing as an off-ball guard, defending at a high level, creating when needed and knocking down open shots – has further highlighted his long-term upside.
It’s clear Daniels is tracking toward being a high-level player in both the NBL and the NBA. His strong defensive foundation has positioned him highly on draft boards, and when discussing an NBA comparison, one name stood out for Houbon.
“Dash fits the mould of a utility guard that has secondary ball handling duties and can defend at a high level any perimeter position.
The best case outcome is like a Jrue Holiday. Now, whether he’s going to reach those heights, it’s hard to say,” Houbon announced.
Santamaria added, “it’s a big bright future and he’s off to a great start as a Next Star.”
With a long season ahead and a genuine chance to play meaningful minutes deep into Melbourne United’s championship push, Daniels’ work is only just beginning. He is tracking toward being a high draft pick in the 2026 NBA Draft – and there’s a reason so many NBA scouts are already excited about just how far he can go.
NOA KOUAKOU-HEUGUE: WHAT’S THE PLAN?
Noa Kouakou-Heugue’s start to the NBL Next Stars program has been one of the more intriguing storylines of the NBL26 season. The 18-year-old, 6’10 French forward has shown flashes of energy, athleticism and promise in his limited court time for the Perth Wildcats. Through five games, Kouakou-Heugue is averaging three points and 1.8 rebounds on an impressive 66% from the field, logging just over 30 minutes total.
From the brief sample size, it’s clear he profiles as an athletic, mobile big – someone who can hold his own defensively inside, use his footwork in the post and generate scoring opportunities with agility and length. These flashes have caught the attention of both Houbon and Santamaria.
Houbon stated, “we saw flashes of the skill set there, his ability to finish above the rim, the length and the mobility.”
He followed it with a blunt but accurate assessment: “Noa is raw and there’s no way around it.”
Santamaria also shared his early impressions:
“I’ve been super impressed with Noa’s ability to take advantage of the opportunities that he’s given.
“Compared to the other three next stars in this particular class, he hasn’t really had the opportunity as of yet consistently to show us kind of what player he is. But the glimpses and the moments that we have seen of him, he looks like he’s a special prospect as well.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Noa Kouakou-Heugue of the Wildcats shoots a free throw as he warms up during the round 10 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Tasmania Jackjumpers at RAC Arena, on November 21, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 21: Noa Kouakou-Heugue of the Wildcats shoots a free throw as he warms up during the round 10 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Tasmania Jackjumpers at RAC Arena, on November 21, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Those comments paint the picture clearly: Kouakou-Heugue is a young prospect with significant raw talent and a long developmental runway. His performances against the Illawarra Hawks and Cairns Taipans offer a window into his potential.
In eight minutes against Illawarra, he finished with seven points and three rebounds while matched up at times with JaVale McGee. Against Cairns, he played 16 minutes in a blowout win, contributing eight points, four rebounds and a +22 in his time on court.
Shortly after those outings, reports surfaced that Kouakou-Heugue was exploring an exit from the Next Stars program in search of more consistent minutes to boost his draft stock. Ultimately, an agreement was reached for him to remain with the Wildcats for the season.
“There was a little bit of frustration from him and his camp about those on-court opportunities to begin the season. We’ve been able to work through those conversations with him, the Wildcats, his agent and everybody,” Santamaria said.
“Sometimes as a young player or as a guy not playing a lot of minutes in any particular circumstance, you’ve just got to stay ready and then you’ve got to take advantage of your opportunities,” Santamaria added.
Houbon said it was clear Perth coach John Rillie was “going to make everyone earn their minutes,” even young talent.
”It was evident that he wasn’t ready to consistently produce yet to a team that has had so much pressure on them this season in particular,” Houbon said.
“I would hope that Noa is being able to stay patient and find his role in time, there absolutely is a role for him long-term on this team.
With Kouakou-Heugue now reintegrated into the rotation, earning those minutes becomes the next step. Santamaria said, “Now he’s back with the group, locked and loaded in their active lineup, I’m excited to see what that looks like for him over the course of the rest of the season.
“He’s a super high character, great person, a terrific guy to be around, has a real team-first mentality and has a super high work ethic.”
Those qualities are foundational for any young prospect trying to climb the ladder.
As for his NBA future, the timeline remains uncertain. While there is a possibility of entering the upcoming draft, many believe another season in the NBL could serve as a valuable springboard into the 2027 class. Houbon agrees, stating, “he could definitely be in contention for next year’s NBA draft.”
MALIQUE LEWIS: THE NBL’S DRAYMOND GREEN?
Like Lopez, Malique Lewis is now in his second year of the Next Stars program. After withdrawing from last year’s NBA Draft, he returned to the NBL to take the next step in his development with hopes of hearing his name called in 2026. This season has delivered improvements across the board – offensively and defensively – as Lewis continues to refine the modern-forward skill set that makes him so intriguing.
Last season, across 34 games, Lewis averaged 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist while shooting 42% from the field and 31% from three. This year, his numbers have risen to 7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while his three-point volume and confidence have taken a noticeable jump.
One aspect in particular has caught the attention of observers throughout the league.
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CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: Malique Lewis of the Phoenix is seen during the round nine NBL match between Cairns Taipans and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Cairns Convention Centre, on November 14, 2025, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: Malique Lewis of the Phoenix is seen during the round nine NBL match between Cairns Taipans and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Cairns Convention Centre, on November 14, 2025, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Houbon stated, “The big one for me is the shooting. He’s taking a lot more threes than he did last season, and he’s shooting it at a much better clip.”
Santamaria echoed the sentiment, saying, “I love the fact that he’s shooting the ball with confidence and, you know, getting a whole bunch more attempts up this year than he did last season.”
Santamaria added, “he’s going to be a three and D type role player in the NBA. He’s come out and he’s shooting 40% from three on the year.”
While his offensive growth is encouraging – particularly his improved perimeter shooting – his calling card remains his defence. Lewis is routinely tasked with guarding the opposition’s best player, taking on a wide variety of matchups across multiple positions.
“He’s such a versatile defender. Josh King has found him so useful in various different lineups, guarding various different players,” Santamaria said.
“one moment he’s guarding Kendric Davis, Bryce Cotton or one of the elite ball handlers in the competition. And then the next minute you see him switched on or was Zylan Cheatham or Xavier Cooks.”
Looking ahead, this defensive versatility is the very trait Houbon believes can translate to the next level.
“We know he’s a defensive guy that can compete at the NBA level on that end of the floor,” Houbon added.
Lewis is currently not projected to be selecte
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d in the 2026 NBA Draft, which is shaping as one of the deepest in recent years. Still, belief remains that he has a real chance to carve out an NBA future. His ability to thrive in structured systems, play multiple roles and contribute to winning basketball has been crucial to South East Melbourne Phoenix sitting third on the ladder at the FIBA break.
Santamaria highlighted that impact, stating, “I do think that he’s a little underrated in terms of the NBL community and how much of a big impact he’s having for one of the best teams in the league.”
A strong indicator of that impact is plus-minus – Lewis currently holds the third-best mark in the league at +8.2, reflecting his positive influence whenever he steps onto the floor.
Of course, questions still remain at the NBA level, primarily on the offensive end. Houbon explained, “what is going to scare teams off is, does he have enough offensive juice to be an NBA player?”
Even so, Lewis has multiple traits working in his favour. His defensive ceiling, physical tools and continued offensive growth make him a player NBA teams will monitor closely.
“Smart NBA teams are looking at him and saying, with that 7’1 wingspan at 6’8”, he’s so strong and so mobile at the defensive end,” Santamaria said.
Lewis may be fighting an uphill battle to be drafted, but the path to the NBA is far from linear. His defensive prowess, his clear development, and his ability to contribute meaningfully to a contender offer a strong foundation. Whether it’s via the draft or another route, the tools are there for Lewis to eventually crack the NBA – and his progress this season shows he’s trending in the right direction.