Next Gen Luka sees NBL Next Star to path to NBA

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Montenegro 2.10m shooting guard Luka Malovic is only 16 years old but already knows the NBL represents a powerful pathway to the NBA.

Malovic, who plays for U18 Dubai Falcons Basketball Academy in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, was part of the Next Stars team that swept its three games at the adidas Eurocamp 2026 in Italy earlier this month, winning the tournament.

“It meant a lot to me to represent the NBL Next Stars program at Eurocamp, especially because of the reputation the NBL has as one of the best environments for developing young players,” Malovic told basketball.com.au in an exclusive interview.

“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and the opportunity to be part of such a program.”

He was the youngest player on the Next Stars team alongside NBL Next Star Dash Daniels, 18, Jai Fa'ale, 17, Mach Jongkuch, 18, Justin Akengbowa, 17, NCAA graduates Max Mackinnon, 22, Oscar Cluff, 24 and American NBL Next Star Malique Lewis, 21.

Malovic averaged nine minutes per game and 7.7 points.

“I think I was able to show some of my abilities, so I’m satisfied with my performance at Eurocamp,” he said.

“Camps like this are not something you experience often, and in my opinion, a player’s ability to adapt quickly to a new environment and build relationships with teammates, coaches, and management is just as important as basketball skills themselves.

“If I had to highlight one aspect of my game, it would probably be my three-point shooting.

“However, I believe I’ve improved in every area of the game, both technically and physically, and especially in terms of confidence.

“I try to develop a new technical skill every year because my goal is to become as complete and versatile a player as possible.

“The competition was incredible – we played against the best young players from around the world.

“The tournament was extremely demanding, but as a team we managed to achieve our goal and win the competition.

“I’m especially pleased that several of our players were recognised for their individual performances, which attracted a lot of attention.”

Lewis was named to the tournament’s All-Star 5 for the second straight year and Mackinnon the Finals MVP.

“We had a great team,” Malovic added.

“All the guys are exceptional players and great people, and it was a real honor for me to be part of such a group. The atmosphere within the team was excellent, and I believe that played a major role in our success.”

adidas Eurocamp is arguably the most important camp in Europe for NBA scouts to evaluate talent outside the traditional US college pathway, which has been busted by Name, Image and Likeness. Scouts are now adapting to multiple paths players can take to the NBA.

“This is an extremely important event for young players because of the large number of coaches, scouts, and club representatives who attend from all over the world,” Malovic said.

“It’s important to present yourself in the best possible light, but also to stay authentic and show that differences, when combined effectively, can make the biggest impact.”

Seven Australians suited up for the Next Stars and Malovic had a simple message for emerging Australian men’s basketballers.

“My message to young players would be to follow their dreams and never give up,” he said.

“Patience, discipline, and daily hard work are essential.

“Australian basketball is growing year after year and providing young players with more and more opportunities for development, which is why I believe they have a very bright future ahead of them.”

Youngest to oldest Next Stars at adidas Eurocamp in 2026

• Luka Malovic – 16
• Jai Fa'ale – 17
• Justin Akengbowa – 17
• Jayden Cecil – 17
• Dash Daniels – 18
• Jackson Ball – 18
• Mach Jongkuch – 18
• Aron Stazic – 18
• Yuto Imanishi – 20
• Malique Lewis – 21
• Max Mackinnon – 22
• Oscar Cluff – 24

adidas Eurocamp 2026 – What You Need to Know

Held at La Ghirada Città Dello Sport, Eurocamp has become a major pathway event for young players pursuing professional careers, with NBA teams, scouts, coaches, and executives attending to evaluate elite international talent.

NBA and EuroLeague star power

This year's special guests included:

• Kenny Atkinson
• Franz Wagner
• VJ Edgecombe
• Mike James

The group mentored players and shared insights into the NBA pathway and international basketball development.

Elite coaching staff

The camp was directed by veteran NBA coaches and scouts, including:

• Bill Bayno
• Gianluca Pascucci
• Dave Joerger
• Rex Kalamian
• Phil Handy
• Petteri Koponen (Former New Zealand Breakers head coach)

Future NBA prospects to watch

Among the draft-eligible international prospects attending are:

• Oscar Wembanyama (Victor's younger brother)
• Arturas Butajevas
• Aleksandar Vojinovic
• Oren Sahar
• Tomas Talcis

Why it matters

Eurocamp has long been a key evaluation event for NBA front offices and international clubs, providing scouts with a rare opportunity to compare elite young talent from Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa, and North America in a single environment.

For Australian basketball fans, the biggest storyline will be how the NBL Next Stars contingent performs against some of the world's most highly regarded draft prospects as the pathway continues to strengthen its reputation as a launchpad to the NBA.