NBL Next Stars declare for 2025 NBA Draft

• Malique Lewis and Izan Almansa declare for 2025 NBA Draft after stints in the NBL’s Next Stars program
• Lewis averaged 6.8 points and 4.1 rebounds for South East Melbourne Phoenix; Almansa posted 6.9 points and 3.9 boards for Perth Wildcats
• NBL’s Next Stars program continues to attract and develop top international talent for the NBA pathway

NBL Next Stars Malique Lewis and Izan Almansa have both declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Lewis, 20, and Almansa, 20, are projected second rounds picks on June 26, 2025.

NBA Draft 2025: NBL Next Stars Malique Lewis and Izan Almansa Declare After Standout Seasons in Australia

Trinidadian forward Malique Lewis and Spanish forward Izan Almansa have declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after completing their seasons in the National Basketball League’s Next Stars program, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Malique Lewis: Showcasing Ability with South East Melbourne Phoenix

Lewis, standing at 203 cm, signed with the South East Melbourne Phoenix in July as part of the NBL’s Next Stars initiative—a program designed to offer elite prospects professional experience and exposure before entering the NBA. The 19-year-old forward averaged 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist per game, shooting 42.6% from the field across 34 appearances.

Lewis reached double figures in scoring on eleven occasions, with his season-best performance coming on November 15: 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. His athleticism and versatility allowed him to impact games on both ends of the floor, often providing energy off the bench and showing flashes of his two-way potential.

His time in the NBL offered valuable experience against seasoned professionals, setting a solid foundation for the upcoming NBA Draft. Lewis’s ability to adapt to the physicality of the Australian league and contribute consistently has kept him on the radar of NBA scouts.

Izan Almansa: Efficient Contributor for Perth Wildcats

Joining the Perth Wildcats in June, 208 cm Spanish forward Izan Almansa also made the most of his Next Stars opportunity. Almansa averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 51.1% from the field over 33 contests. He hit double digits in scoring eight times, including a standout 19-point, seven-rebound, two-block outing on November 9.

Almansa’s ability in the paint and on the boards complemented Perth’s frontcourt rotation, while his size and touch around the rim made him a reliable scoring option. Before arriving in Australia, Almansa played for the G League Ignite, averaging 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists — a background that underscored his readiness for the professional ranks.

NBL Next Stars: A Proven NBA Pathway

Both Lewis and Almansa joined a growing list of international prospects using the NBL’s Next Stars program as a springboard to the NBA. The initiative has gained global attention for producing NBA-ready talent, with players such as LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr making the leap from the NBL to the world’s top league.

This season, the Next Stars program also featured Australian prospects like Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings) and Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets), further demonstrating the league’s commitment to developing both local and international talent.

The NBL’s competitive environment and exposure to high-level coaching have made it an attractive option for players seeking to accelerate their professional growth.

Australians in Focus: NBL’s Continued Impact

While Lewis and Almansa are international talents, the Next Stars program has also played a significant role in the development of Australian players. The platform has allowed homegrown stars to showcase their skills against elite competition, preparing them for both the NBA and Boomers representation.

With the NBA Draft approaching, the performances of Lewis and Almansa in the NBL underscore the league’s growing reputation as a launchpad for the next generation of global basketball stars. Their declarations highlight the ongoing success of the Next Stars model, which continues to reshape the pathways available to young athletes worldwide.

What’s Next for Lewis and Almansa?

Both players will now focus on the NBA Draft process, including pre-draft workouts, interviews and evaluations by NBA teams. Their experience in the NBL—facing physical, fast-paced competition and adapting to the demands of professional basketball—will be key assets as they aim to secure their places in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The NBL’s growing influence on the international basketball landscape remains clear, with the league positioned as a proven route for aspiring professionals. As Lewis and Almansa take the next step in their careers, their journeys serve as a testament to the opportunities available in Australia’s top basketball competition.