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.

In the first of three NBLxNBA games, Karim Lopez debuted on a NBA court in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz. He looked comfortable from the very first play, ending the game as the second-leading scorer for the Breakers (13 points) and best rebounder on the team (7); his activity, skills and instincts were in full display. Two games await now to end the US trip, and up next are the Philadelphia 76ers (October 8) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (October 11). 

Onto the NBL Round 3: Malique Lewis made the very most of his time on the court with South East Melbourne on Thursday, contributing with 14 points and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes, and leading the charge for the away side in their efforts to try a late comeback against the Adelaide 36ers. 

Alex Toohey put in another solid performance for the Sydney Kings, who dominated in Brisbane and improved to a 3-1 record. Toohey was the third-leading scorer (11 points) and stayed on the court for 26 minutes. He is now shooting 44% from the three-point range for the season. 

With a plus-minus of +17 in a loss to the Sydney Kings, Rocco Zikarsky cemented his role once again as a very efficient player for the Bullets. He leads the league in points per game (per 36 minutes) and offensive rebounds percentage. 

Perth competed in two games in this round, against the two Grand Final teams from last season. The Wildcats ended up losing both to United and in Tasmania, and while Izan Almansa still showed his high IQ and energy, his touch wasn’t at its usual level.