Karim Lopez on NBL: 'I feel like it's the best path for me'

The New Zealand Breakers recently signed 17-year-old Mexican forward Karim Lopez as part of the NBL’s Rising Stars program. The 6-foot-7 Lopez, an up-and-coming player from a strong international basketball background, will bring versatility and size to the Breakers.

As the son of former Mexican basketball player Jesus “Chino” Lopez, Karim Lopez has already made his mark across various leagues. He most recently showcased his skills in Spain’s Liga Endesa, where he gained valuable experience despite limited playing time. This past week, Lopez participated in Under Armour’s Elite 24 camp in Brooklyn, New York, where he stood out among top high school recruits, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds in the final game.

Lopez has also gained international experience by representing Mexico’s senior National Team and previously contributed to the U22 National Team. At the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he averaged 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Lopez spoke with HoopsHype after the UA scrimmage to discuss his decision to join the NBL, his playstyle, expectations, background and more.

How's the Under Armour experience treating you?

Karim Lopez: Oh, it’s been great. A lot of great hoopers, a lot of great coaches too. It’s been great.

What's your biggest strength?

KL: My versatility, because I can play a lot of positions, a lot of roles, you know, and I just make winning plays, so I feel like that’s my biggest strength.

If someone asked you, what position are you?

Whatever the coach asks me to play.

You have to choose.

If I had to choose, I don’t know, the three, two or three.

What's your own scouting report on yourself?

KL: I feel like I’m a really good passer, a really good shooter, too. I think I can just play whatever role, but I need to work on, obviously, getting my handle tighter, playing better defense. I think I played good defense today, but obviously I need to work on every aspect of my game and improve overall.

What do you hope to accomplish in your best career? What's important to you?

KL: Obviously, I hope to go to the NBA, that’s my main goal right now, and be a great player there, stay a long time in there. And grow Mexico’s basketball, that’s also in my mind, you know, I want to make my country better, you know. So, that’s about it.

How did you fall in love or get this passionate about basketball, and how has that changed at all?

KL: Well, it started with my dad, he used to play pro ball. I used to go with him to his practices and games. So, watching that and playing with him since I was physically born, I mean, basketball, I started loving the game.

What level did he play?

KL: He played in college here, I don’t remember what, but, and also he played pro.

Where?

Mexico and overseas too.

Who's your player comparison, if you had to compare yourself to somebody?

KL: I don’t really know, maybe, I think it would be a player like Jayson Tatum and Paul George, something like that.