Next Stars Wrap: The start of something big

Four out of the five Next Stars were featured in a NBL starting lineup in Round 8. Izan Almansa earned the trust from coach John Rillie and absolutely balled out in Melbourne against United: he had 19 points, 8 boards and 2 blocks in 23 minutes on the court, hitting two threes, a variety of finishes around the basket and he impacted the game from the jump with his energy and IQ play. 

The Perth Wildcats’ coach had this to say on Almansa after the game: “When you play with a motor and an urgency like that, it’s amazing how good things happen for you.” 

Rocco Zikarsky had a positive impact on the court, as the Brisbane Bullets fell short against Melbourne United at home. Zikarsky contributed with 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block in 12 minutes on the floor. 

The New Zealand Breakers had their impressive streak stopped in Tasmania; after a promising first half with another strong effort by Mexican prospect Karim Lopez, Petteri Koponen’s team was not able to match the JackJumpers’ intensity in the second half. Lopez finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block in 22 minutes. 

Alex Toohey and Malique Lewis matched up against each other in a fantastic Friday night game between the Kings and the Phoenix in Sydney. Toohey’s side had the best with a comeback in the final minutes, and the Australian Next Star was instrumental to the team’s win with his playmaking and intensity on the defensive end. 

Trinidad & Tobago’s Lewis showed all of his athleticism and instincts, and had one of the best plays of the round when he met Jaylen Adams at the rim with an emphatic block. He ended the game with 7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal. His side went back to John Cain Arena on Sunday and comfortably beat Cairns to keep the momentum going since new head coach Josh King took over (record 3-1 after Round 8).