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 Sydney Kings exited the court on Sunday with a loss against Melbourne United, but there were many positives to take away from that game — including the performance of their Next Star, Alex Toohey. He had 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 24 minutes on the floor, and completely turned the game around with his disruptive defence and aggressiveness attacking the basket. Kings coach, Brian Goorjian, said: “I walk away from tonight really excited about Toohey. He took a punch in the game (in Cairns)… and I thought he was really good tonight. I’m excited about him.”

Karim Lopez came back from the FIBA window with a minor ankle injury that kept him out of the first Breakers game of this round (a loss to the Illawarra Hawks), and he came back in the lineup for their Sunday game against the Perth Wildcats. Lopez had eye-catching plays, including a lefty dunk on the very first play and a behind-the-back pass in transition after a steal. 

With Tyrell Harrison sidelined, Rocco Zikarsky played 34 minutes for the Brisbane Bullets on Friday in Perth. The 18-year-old big man had 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks, and had success running to the rim for massive finishes. He’s shooting 67% from the floor in his last two games. 

Malique Lewis and the South East Melbourne Phoenix grabbed a fantastic home win on Saturday against the Hawks. The versatile forward had plenty of pivotal plays at the defensive end to stop import guards like Trey Kell III. 

The Wildcats’ Next Star, Izan Almansa, scored 17 points and had 8 rebounds against the Breakers on Sunday. Across the two games he played this round, he totalled 28 points and has shown consistency from the three-point range — knocking down 5 of his last 10 attempts.