Next Stars Wrap: Alex Toohey shines

NBL25's class of Next Stars is looming as one of the top groups of emerging hoops talent anywhere in the world. Stay informed as to how each of the competition's brightest stars played on the weekend, with NBL Media's Next Stars Wrap.

After getting reps in pre-season and showcasing their potential at the NBL Blitz, the Next Stars competed in Perth for Round 1, experiencing the unique atmosphere of HoopsFest – which allowed them to meet and get mentored by the program’s ambassadors Carmelo Anthony and Kenny Smith.

Alex Toohey did everything for the Sydney Kings on Sunday, contributing with 15 PTS to the team’s hard-fought win against Adelaide. Toohey's shooting kept delivering (3/5 3PTS) after the glimpses he showed at the NBL Blitz, and he was trusted by the team to take shots in the closing stage of the 4Q – scoring 10 of his 15 in the final period. The Athletic’s NBA Draft expert Sam Vecenie posted on X that he sees Toohey as a first-round pick in the upcoming 2025 Draft.

Izan Almansa impressed in his NBL debut, as he helped the Wildcats open the season with a win. One of four Perth players to score in double-figures, the Spanish teenager scored 10 points in just 14 minutes on the floor.

Rocco Zikarsky was productive in limited minutes in Brisbane’s season opener as the Bullets suffered a disappointing loss to New Zealand. The 7-foot-3 teenager, who dealt with an ankle sprain during the pre-season, will be looking to further impose himself this Friday against Illawarra.

Malique Lewis was the first South East Melbourne player off the bench in what was a solid NBL debut from the nineteen-year-old. The talented teenager was super aggressive early as he put the ball on the deck and put heat on the rim.

After starting for much of the pre-season, Karim Lopez played a reserve role for his first NBL regular season game. While the Breakers grabbed a season-opening win, the talented 17-year-old is still adjusting to the pace and physicality of the NBL game.

Roman Siulepa attended HoopsFest too, and will soon finalise his decision on which club to join for the NBL25 season.