The Australian NBL kicked off just days ago, marking a somewhat official beginning to the 2026 NBA Draft cycle. The NBL’s “Next Stars” program features two projected lottery prospects — Dash Daniels and Karim Lopez — both of whom have already showcased why scouts regard them highly.
Let’s discuss the beginning of these two prospects’ season, how they’ve fared and what it might signal going forward.
Dash Daniels, G, Melbourne United
Daniels struggled on offense at the FIBA U19 World Cup, unable to consistently score or create at any level. The 17-year-old bounced back to begin his first NBL season, making the most of his 20 minutes in Melbourne’s blowout win over the Breakers. He posted 14 points, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 5 rebounds and 2 steals on 64% true shooting, holding up better than many expected on offense to start the year.
dash daniels just put up 14-1-5-2 stl and 2 tov on 64% TS in 20 minutes against new zealand
crazy range and versatility on defense and he looks pretty confident as a driver, dash won’t turn 18 until december. nice start to his season pic.twitter.com/242avpnfCv
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) September 21, 2025
He defended impressively as always, shutting down handlers on the ball. Excellent speed, lateral quickness and body control let Daniels stick to players, resulting in forced turnovers and tough shots. Daniels is a strong off-ball defender as well, weaponizing his speed to cover ground in help and finding turnovers with sharp instincts.
Even without a threatening shot (1-4 on threes so far), Daniels found ways to impact the game on offense. He’s driven to the basket confidently, playing off of two feet and scoring with touch. Though he still has plenty of room to grow on offense, his comfort with the ball at this stage is encouraging for the youngest prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers
After a quiet but sound debut to his second NBL season, Lopez stuffed the stat sheet and put top-five flashes on tape against Melbourne. The 18-year-old Mexican wing tallied 14 points (6-8, 2-5 on threes), 1 assist and 1 block, none of those moments more impressive than his double crossover for a huge half-court dunk in garbage time.
Lopez’s offensive ceiling revolves around his slashing, but he’s expanding his offensive versatility in year two. He’s spacing the floor and more confidently firing from deep but also moonlighting as a big man. A 6’8 frame, powerful athleticism and solid passing render Lopez a dynamic roll threat and a sharp off-ball scorer.
karim lopez is obviously an excellent slasher, but he’s played a bit more as a big man this year
he’s threatening as a roller with his athleticism, ball skills and solid passing and he’ll seal off defenders for easy shots pic.twitter.com/hVBEgAZJzM
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) September 22, 2025
While Lopez might be able to add some offensive value on an NBA floor today, his defense is much weaker at the moment. He’ll make plays with that length and athleticism, but Lopez struggles to position himself off of the ball and recognize actions unfolding around him, resulting in blown rotations and fouls. Teenagers playing in professional leagues often struggle as off-ball defenders and Lopez should improve as he ages, but we’ll monitor his defense as a swing skill for his case as a high first-round player.
