Karim Lopez enters NBA draft to become first Mexican first-round pick
Highly-rated forward Karim Lopez has declared for the NBA draft, aiming to become the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round after an impressive stint in the Australian NBL.
The 19-year-old spent the past two seasons developing with the New Zealand Breakers, culminating in an Ignite Cup tournament victory in February.
Standing at 6ft 9in with a towering 7ft 1in wingspan, the teenage prospect is currently ranked 11th on the latest draft boards.
Record-breaking NBL season
Overcoming a summer back injury, the versatile wing enjoyed a breakout campaign during his second year in the Southern Hemisphere.
He averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds across 25.6 minutes per game while shooting an efficient 49% from the field.
The Hermosillo native also established a new single-season points record for draft-eligible NBL Next Stars, accumulating 358 points in 30 starts.
“It’s been my dream and my goal my whole life to play in the NBA.” – Karim Lopez
Inspiring the next generation
Scouts have been heavily drawn to the former Joventut Badalona player’s unique combination of positional size, playmaking ability, and physical toughness.
However, evaluators note that his perimeter shooting and explosiveness will need further refinement ahead of the draft combine in Chicago this May.
The son of former national team player Jesús Hiram Lopez, the young star hopes his historic journey will motivate aspiring athletes back home.
“A goal of mine is to hopefully reach young people in Mexico, trying to grow the sport and inspire athletes to follow their dreams.” – Karim Lopez
The highly-anticipated NBA draft selection process is officially scheduled to take place in late June.