Next Gen Award Watch: End of November

Saturday, December 7, 2024

We are spoilt for choice with young stars in the league and some who have well and truly put their name in the mix.

It’s time for your monthly preview of the players in the mix for the Next Generation Award, presented by Champion.

This has become one of the more exciting awards to keep track of throughout the season, due to the number of players eligible to win it.

A reminder that any player, as long as they are under 25-years-old by April 30 of the conclusion of the season, will be eligible.

With that being said, we are spoilt for choice with young stars in the league this season and some who have well and truly put their name in the mix for this award.

The candidates who will be in the mix for the Next Generation Award are some of the brightest prospects the league has to offer, and while some may go on to the NBA, the rest are on a trajectory to become superstars right before our eyes.

Champion is also giving you the chance to win a $100 Champion digital gift card, simply by voting for your favourite Play of the Month from the Next Generation class of NBL25. Scroll down to enter.

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Sam Mennenga
The New Zealand big man has relished his opportunity in his new team and continues to grow each game. Mennenga has been one of the most consistent players for the Breakers in NBL25, averaging over 13 points and 5.5 rebounds. He’s also had three 20-point games thus far, including his standout 25-point game against Melbourne United in round 7. One that that won’t be changing anytime soon, is Mennenga’s opportunity, which sees him as a very promising candidate to win the Next Generation Award.

Mennenga

Ben Henshall
Perth’s young star, Ben Henshall, has quietly gone about a very productive season and looks poised to continue to grow in the back half of NBL25. He’s averaging just under 10 points per game, with 3 assists and 3 rebounds. His best performance came in Perth’s huge home win over the Hawks, where he had 26 points and 6 assists. It won’t count towards his Next Generation Award credentials, but Henshall was also outstanding during the FIBA Break with the Boomers, further highlighting his rapid improvement.

Henshall

Karim Lopez
New Zealand’s Next Star, Karim Lopez, has been a revelation for Petteri Koponen this season. Averaging just under 9 points and 5 rebounds, Lopez has also caught the eye of NBA scouts on the defensive end. A projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Lopez became just the fourth Next Star to record at least 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks in a game, when New Zealand stunned the Kings in Round 6. His best performance however, would undoubtedly be his 17-point, 13-rebound, 4-block game in their massive win over United.

Lopez

Wani Swaka-Lo-Buluk
The Illawarra Hawks are flying, and Wani Swaka-Lo-Buluk is a major reason as to why. One of the best point of attack defenders in the league, Swaka-Lo-Buluk has set the tone for the Hawks on the defensive end and has quietly been going about his business all season long. He’s also been very efficient offensively, shooting an incredible 46 per cent from deep. The Hawks are only the fifth best defensively rated team in the league, which further highlights how important Swaka-Lo-Buluk is to their championship credentials.

Swaka

Taran Armstrong
If it weren’t for injuries, Cairns’ young star would arguably be running away with this award at the midpoint of the season. In just his second professional year, Armstrong is averaging over 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game, and looks to have taken a giant leap forward in terms of confidence. Unfortunately for him, he’s only managed to play the five games thus far, which coincidentally lines up with the Taipans’ struggles to find some wins. If he can stay healthy, the Next Generation Award could be one of many that he will go close to winning.

Armstrong