While New Zealand Breakers Next Star Karim Lopez may not be able to declare for the NBA Draft until 2026, the Mexican teenager is continuing to put together an impressive rookie season in the NBL.

Still just 17-years-old, Lopez had another double-digit scoring game in the Breakers’ loss to Adelaide and continues to flash his brilliant potential, which included a big block on Montrezl Harrell. 

“I’m trying to get to the NBA obviously, and Montrezl is a player I watched as a kid,” Lopez said.

“It’s just fun to go out there and compete with those type of guys and I’m not afraid of that.” 

Earlier in the season, Lopez became just the fourth Next Star to record at least 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in a game, when New Zealand beat Sydney in round six.

Karim Lopez 🆚 Adelaide

12 PTS
6 REB
1 BLK@NZBreakers pic.twitter.com/pNd8rQTwDt

— NBL Next Stars (@NBLNextStars) December 16, 2024

For head coach Petteri Koponen, Lopez’s performances have been a shining light in a tough stretch for the team. 

“Karim has been amazing all season,” he said. 

“He came to a new club, faced a new challenge…he’s been growing so fast. He’s an amazing kid with an amazing worth ethic.”

As a two-year prospect, there wasn’t much expectation on Lopez to deliver much in his first season in the NBL. However, he has quickly found himself in the starting line-up and is becoming one of the most important players for Koponen.

“I’ve been blessed with getting a lot of opportunities from my coaches, so I’m just trying to take them and not take them for granted,” Lopez said.

With all his impressive numbers and highlights, Lopez has only one thing on his mind going forward and that’s snapping the Breakers’ six-game losing streak. 

“I’m just trying to get a win right now because that’s what we need,” he said.

New Zealand hosts Sydney on Friday night at 5:30pm AEDT live on ESPN.