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.

There was no better feeling for Malique Lewis than winning the second Throwdown in a row: South East Melbourne was able to overcome the challenge and beat Melbourne United again, with the Next Star from Trinidad & Tobago contributing with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Lewis is averaging the most minutes per game of any pre-draft Next Stars player, since the likes of Josh Giddey (2021) and LaMelo Ball (2020). 

Izan Almansa had foul trouble in Cairns, but continued his recent good form by impacting the game in limited minutes. He finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds in 15 minutes; he’s now hit 6 of his last 12 three-pointers. 

The Breakers suffered yet another loss in Adelaide, making it their sixth consecutive. Karim Lopez stole the show with impressive plays, blocking Montrezl Harrell at the rim and finding creative ways to score at the basket. He finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 1 block in 23 minutes.

Tyrell Harrison and the Bullets are competing at a high level, carrying Brisbane in their push to reach the Finals. In the two games they played this round, Rocco Zikarsky found limited minutes against the Phoenix and the Kings, but was still able to score 4 points and grab 4 rebounds in Sydney on Sunday, earning praise from his coach. 

In the only game the Kings played this round, Alex Toohey started and made his presence felt across the board — finishing with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in 26 minutes on the floor. Toohey was one of four Sydney players to score in double-figures as the Kings grabbed an important win over Brisbane.