NBL25's class of Next Stars is looming as one of the top groups of emerging hoops talent anywhere in the world. Stay informed as to how each of the competition's brightest stars played on the weekend with NBL Media's Next Stars Wrap.

The positive stretch for Brisbane continues, as the Bullets grabbed a win in Adelaide on Christmas Eve. Rocco Zikarsky flashed more of his elite defensive potential, blocking three shots in eight minutes and making it very hard for Montrezl Harrell to shoot around the basket. 

In Round 13, Alex Toohey going to the next level: the Sydney Kings’ forward had 21 points and 11 rebounds in a win against the Breakers, then went on to score 25 points at home on Christmas Day against the Hawks. He showed his touch around the basket and hit five threes across the two games, without compromising his stellar defensive impact. 

Izan Almansa and the Wildcats could not overcome the challenge of facing the Hawks in Wollongong, as the home side contained Bryce Cotton on the way to another home win. Almansa started for the fifth consecutive game and finished with 8 points in 17 minutes. 

Karim Lopez had to sit the Christmas Day out matchup with Tasmania for a minor ankle injury, but he did shine in the matchup against Toohey and the Kings: the Mexican Next Star’s competitiveness was outstanding, as shown by the impressive statline, including 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. 

The defensive versatility of Malique Lewis was instrumental to the Phoenix' win against Adelaide in the Open Air game. Lewis guarded all the best players from the opposing team — moving from import guard Kendric Davis to Montrezl Harrell without diminishing his impact. A great win that got even better when he capped it off with a crazy alley-oop dunk in transition.