Forward Karim Lopez will seek to make history by declaring himself eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft in which he will try to become the first Mexican to be selected in the first round.
“I have decided that I am going to declare for the 2026 Draft. Playing in the NBA has been my dream and my goal my whole life. The timing is perfect. I think I’ve been preparing my whole life for this moment and to be able to make it this far; I just feel it’s right and I have to do it,” said the newest Mexican basketball gem in statements to ESPN.
Shines as an international prospect
At 18 years old, Karim Lopez, originally from Hermosillo (Sonora), is one of the top international talents among the prospects who will be eligible to be drafted by one of the 30 NBA teams in the Draft.
It will take place next June.
Karim spent the last two seasons with the BNZ Breakers of New Zealand, where he shined in a team full of veterans.
He won the Ignite Cup title in Australia, in a season in which he averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds, with 49% shooting from the field.
He played 25.6 minutes per game.
Lopez is distinguished by his great ability on the perimeter, thanks to which he scored 358 points in 30 games with the Breakers.
A record number of points for NBL Next Stars players eligible for the NBA Draft.
Playing in the NBA has been my dream
Karim López
Inspired by Mexican basketball legacy
“The NBL provided me with a lot of learning for two years, it was a great chapter in my life that prepared me for this.”
The young man, who will turn 19 on April 12, said.
Karim is the son of former Mexican national team player Jesús Hiram ‘El Chino’ López.
Prior to signing with the Breakers in 2024, he played in Spain with Joventut Badalona.
The 2.06-meter forward hopes to join his compatriots who have spent time in the NBA.
The list includes figures such as Horacio Llamas, Eduardo Nájera, Gustavo Ayón and Jorge Gutiérrez.
More recently Juan Toscano-Anderson and Jaime Jáquez Jr, the latter still appearing with the Miami Heat.
With information from EFE
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com
