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No-brainer: The three NBL players who can make the NBA leap
SEN • December 11th, 2025 12:45 pm
Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian has named three NBL players that he thinks could make the NBA jump as soon as next season.
The former Australian Boomers coach has had a close eye on Aussie talent for decades now, and he’s seen some clear signs that these three can move to the states and compete with the best.
First up, Goorjian is certain that New Zealand Breakers youngster Karim Lopez will be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with the 18-year-old small forward from Mexico always planning on spending one season in the NBL before moving on.
The other two he picked are more experienced, and Goorjian believes that now both Adelaide’s Isaac Humphries and New Zealand’s Sam Mennenga also have what it takes.
“Lopez is a no-brainer, that’s a top 10 pick,” Goorjian told SEN Afternoons.
“Then there’s two guys on the radar right now that are scary.
“One is (Isaac) Humphries, look at the relationship he has with Bryce Cotton, who is an NBA player in that position, you see what he does for him and what he's capable of doing. Look at his body, look at his headset right now, look at the way he competes and his versatility.
“The other one is Sam Mennenga, he’s badass. He’s broad-shouldered, he shoots it long, stands over you, dunks over you, bodies you, he’s well-coached and very versatile.
“We have more that are NBA prospects, but those two could get dragged out. I hope they don't for our league, but they're definitely on the radar.”
Listen to Goorjian’s full chat here
