Across the last few seasons, the New Zealand Breakers have had multiple Next Stars drafted in the first round, but their latest sensation may just be their biggest and best.

17-year-old Mexican prospect, Karim Lopez, arrives fresh from averaging over 20 points per game at the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas.

With the Breakers set to roll out a completely different roster from last season, there’s been strong hype coming out of the club about their exciting teenage sensation.  

“Karim Lopez, who isn’t even draft eligible until 2026 ... there is some talk that he could start on the wing for this team,” NBL Media’s Peter Hooley said on The Roundtable.

“That’s how well he has been performing at practice from all reports… I’m not sure if he will (start), but to be able to have that option is huge.”

It’s a similar situation to when Bullets big man Rocco Zikarsky signed as a Next Star, with the club understanding that they have two years locked in to help raise his stock as high as possible.

If there’s anyone within the Breakers who understands the journey Lopez is about to embark on, it’s new head coach Petteri Koponen.

Koponen began his professional basketball career at 17-years-old himself, when he signed with top Finnish team Tapiolan Honka. Two years later, Koponen was drafted at pick 30 by the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Nurturing Karim to his potential is going to be a thrilling project over the next two years,” Koponen told AAP earlier this month.

“We must remember he is just 17 ... I watched some of his games and he is an exciting package with his size and how he handles the ball.”

The Breakers' starting five looks likely to consist of Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Jonah Bolden and new imports Matt Mooney and Freddie Gillespie. That leaves an open wing spot for Koponen to tinker with in NBL25.

With fresh faces like Mojave King and Sean Bairstow in the mix, one could expect Koponen to throw different looking lineups out, until he finds the one that works best.

Lopez, the 6-foot-8 wing, previously impressed for the Mexican senior national team during the 2024 FIBA Qualifying Tournament and arrives with the most hype of any of the Breakers' previous Next Stars.

“We get to watch him for two year ... there’s a reason he’s already a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft,” Hooley added.

“I’m excited to see what this kid can do. He’s an international superstar.”