Karim Lopez, No. 1 worldwide recruit for 2026 NBA Draft, discusses his future

Karim Lopez, a top-20 recruit within the 2025 class and the No. 1 worldwide recruit within the 2026 NBA Draft, is headed to the New Zealand Breakers as part of the NBL’s Subsequent Stars, he introduced on Friday.

Lopez, a 6’8”, 195-pound wing, is taken into account the “future face of Mexican basketball and a possible lottery decide” by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, as his total set of traits makes him an interesting prospect within the 2026 draft.

Extra importantly, Lopez is simply 17 years outdated and is now anticipated to play the subsequent two seasons within the NBL earlier than being eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft.

What led the wing to decide on the skilled route over potential school choices? We had an opportunity to speak to Lopez at Underneath Armour’s Subsequent Elite 24 occasion in Brooklyn.

Behind the choice

“I’m actually excited to go there,” Lopez shared. “It was a troublesome resolution between a whole lot of locations, a whole lot of totally different applications. However I imply, I really feel like that’s the most effective resolution for me as a result of it’s an excellent place. The [NBL’s] subsequent stars program appears to be like nice and it’s been confirmed already with the No. 2 decide [Alex Sarr].”

The Subsequent Stars program has been a staple over the previous few seasons, with quite a few high highschool recruits electing to go the skilled route over school in hopes of higher getting ready for the NBA.

Lopez referred to Alex Sarr, who was a high worldwide prospect final yr and in the end selected to affix the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL’s Subsequent Stars program. From there, he developed and cemented himself as a top-three decide within the 2024 NBA Draft, going No. 2 to the Washington Wizards this offseason.

Along with Sarr, the Subsequent Stars program had two different gamers drafted this previous offseason as AJ Johnson went No. 23 total to the Milwaukee Bucks, whereas Bobi Klitman went No. 37 to the Detroit Pistons.

Previous to this yr, the Subsequent Stars program has additionally hosted the likes of LaMelo Ball, who went No. 3 total within the 2020 NBA Draft and Josh Giddey, who went No. 6 within the 2021 NBA Draft.

What Lopez brings to the courtroom

Heading to New Zealand, Lopez brings an intriguing skillset with him, because the 6’8” wing has playmaking capability with good ball-handling expertise, whereas possessing versatility and powerful two-way capabilities along with his athleticism.

He will be extra assertive at occasions, possessing a very good total really feel for the sport, however his capability to deal with the basketball, matched along with his spectacular capturing at that dimension makes for a excessive potential participant sooner or later.

Defensively, Lopez is flexible as effectively, as his lengthy body and athleticism permits him to play greater than his dimension could point out and he can defend towards guards as effectively.

Taking part in towards some excessive competitors on the Underneath Armour’s Subsequent Elite 24 this weekend, Lopez’s versatility was seen, as he noticed minutes in additional of a ahead/heart function, getting used as a curler within the pick-and-roll, whereas inserting himself at each ends the place he was wanted.

“Versatility [is big for me],” Lopez mentioned. “The coach requested me to play the 5 [and] to play the 4. I used to be a 5 on the finish, so, I mentioned ‘okay, I’ll do it.’ And I believe I made profitable performs. It feels nice to indicate my versatility to all these scouts.”

Moreover, on the defensive finish, the wing was tasked with guarding ball-handlers, holding his floor towards a few of the high guards in attendance, whereas making performs on the rim as effectively, recording a pleasant block after recovering effectively. On Friday in the course of the scrimmages on the Underneath Armour’s Elite 24, Lopez’s “Staff Ice” got here out the winners in a aggressive surroundings.

“I used to be simply making an attempt to show I could make profitable performs on a regular basis,” Lopez mentioned. “I can play profitable basketball. That’s it, man. We acquired the win.”

Furthermore, Lopez has been praised for his instinctual efforts and motor on each ends of the courtroom, which ought to slot in shortly into an expert capability with the New Zealand Breakers.

However, the Mexico native is aware of that he should show himself at that degree first, and is keen to win minutes along with his new crew.

“I need to win minutes on the courtroom. Nothing’s given,” Lopez mentioned. “I need to make profitable performs as a result of that’s what coaches like and likewise be extra mature in my sport. I already performed within the Olympic qualifiers, so I really feel prepared for that [professional environment].”

Representing his nation

Lopez presently performs for Membership Joventut Badalona in Barcelona, however is a local of Mexico Metropolis and has represented his nation within the FIBA Championships with the U16 crew, in addition to within the Olympic Qualifiers.

In 2023, on the FIBA U16 Americas Championship, Lopez shined, averaging 20.5 factors and 12.2 rebounds in six contests.

That adopted his efficiency in 2022 on the Centrobasket U15 Championship, the place he averaged 15.2 factors and 9.8 rebounds in 5 video games for the nationwide crew.

Being touted the longer term face of Mexican basketball, the 6’8” wing is extremely regarded in his nation and carries that with delight.

“I all the time signify Mexico,” Lopez mentioned. “For me it’s a special feeling as a result of I’m representing the entire 120 million individuals. So I really feel prefer it’s stress nevertheless it’s a very good stress.”

Now, he has the prospect to proceed that legacy at his subsequent cease in New Zealand as part of the Subsequent Stars program, with the NBA Draft effectively inside attain for the proficient prospect.