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.

Round 2 wiped away any doubt: Alex Toohey is a foundational piece of the Sydney Kings. Toohey contributed with clutch plays to a gutsy win in Perth against the Wildcats on Friday, and then exploded with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in a nail-biting loss against the Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday. His poise and ability to impact the game in so many different ways in two high-profile matchups is yet another proof of how confident he has been to start the NBL25 campaign — and he’s getting used to fly above the rim.

A win in front of the home crowd on a Sunday? Not too bad. Karim Lopez and the New Zealand Breakers improved to a 2-0 record by beating SEM Phoenix. Karim showed glimpses of his athleticism and defensive instincts, especially when he cleared the rim with a block in the third quarter. The Breakers are now off to the United States to compete in three NBLxNBA pre-season games that will give Karim another platforms to showcase his talent.

Rocco Zikarsky scored 10 points in 11 minutes of play for the Bullets, in a loss against the Illawarra Hawks. He ended the game on 60 per cent shooting from the floor and 80 per cent from the free-throw line; he will be aiming to help Brisbane get their first season season in Round 3.

Malique Lewis remained a key part of the rotation in the two games SEM Phoenix played in Round 2. His best performance came on Sunday when he contributed with 7 points and 3 rebounds against the Breakers.

Izan Almansa was subbed in early in the first quarter during the big matchup with the Sydney Kings in Perth, as he continues to build what promises to be a fantastic pick-and-roll chemistry with lead guard Bryce Cotton.