Basketball · International
Lopez reflects on two-season Breakers pathway toward NBA draft
The Mexican teenager completed 55 NBL appearances and career-best statistical averages.
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Karim Lopez reflected on his development after two seasons with the New Zealand Breakers, with the 18-year-old preparing for the 2026 NBA draft. The NBL’s February profile described the experience of moving overseas and adapting to a different culture as central to his progress.
Lopez had previously played with Joventut Badalona in Spain before joining the Next Stars programme. His NBL career covered 55 appearances, and his second season produced improved averages of 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
The teenager also contributed to New Zealand’s inaugural Ignite Cup victory. The profile reported an ESPN projection placing him inside the draft’s top ten, while attributing Lopez’s comments on confidence and adjustment to a recent interview rather than presenting his future selection as confirmed.
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