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 choose” by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, as his general set of traits makes him an interesting prospect within the 2026 draft.

Extra importantly, Lopez is simply 17 years previous 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 Below Armour’s Subsequent Elite 24 occasion in Brooklyn.

Behind the choice

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

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

Lopez referred to Alex Sarr, who was a prime worldwide prospect final 12 months and finally selected to hitch the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL’s Subsequent Stars program. From there, he developed and cemented himself as a top-three choose 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 general to the Milwaukee Bucks, whereas Bobi Klitman went No. 37 to the Detroit Pistons.

Previous to this 12 months, the Subsequent Stars program has additionally hosted the likes of LaMelo Ball, who went No. 3 general 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 means with good ball-handling abilities, whereas possessing versatility and robust two-way capabilities along with his athleticism.

He will be extra assertive at occasions, possessing a very good general really feel for the sport, however his means to deal with the basketball, matched along with his spectacular taking pictures at that measurement 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 larger than his measurement could point out and he can defend in opposition to guards as effectively.

Taking part in in opposition to some excessive competitors on the Below Armour’s Subsequent Elite 24 this weekend, Lopez’s versatility was seen, as he noticed minutes in additional of a ahead/heart position, 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 feel I made successful performs. It feels nice to point out my versatility to all these scouts.”

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

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

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

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

“I wish to win minutes on the courtroom. Nothing’s given,” Lopez mentioned. “I wish to make successful performs as a result of that’s what coaches like and in addition be extra mature in my recreation. 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 long run face of Mexican basketball, the 6’8” wing is very regarded in his nation and carries that with pleasure.

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

Now, he has the possibility 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 gifted prospect.