The NBL Subsequent Stars program has secured its newest high-level prospect, with 19-year-old ahead and NBA draft prospect Malique Lewis becoming a member of South East Melbourne.
Lewis, who’s from Trinidad and Tobago, performed for the Mexico Metropolis Capitanes within the NBA G League final season and spent the 2 years prior competing in Spain’s Liga ACB for Fuenlabrada.
The 6-foot-8 ahead, who grew up primarily taking part in soccer earlier than making the swap to basketball, mentioned he was “completely thrilled” to hyperlink up with the Phoenix subsequent season.
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“I can’t wait to get began with the crew and be a part of the Subsequent Stars program,” Lewis mentioned.
“I’m extremely grateful to SEM for this wonderful alternative. I’m wanting to get on the market, assist the crew win video games, and make our followers proud.
“Whereas my final aim is to be drafted within the 2025 NBA Draft, my focus proper now could be all about giving my finest for Phoenix and contributing to a profitable season.”
NBL Normal Supervisor of Subsequent Stars Recruitment, Liam Santamaria mentioned Lewis, who was taken with the No. 1 decide within the G League worldwide draft, has “super upside”.
“He has a novel mixture of elite bodily instruments, a flexible skillset and youth, making him a really thrilling prospect,” added Santamaria.
“He possesses excessive degree defensive instincts and his size, velocity and athleticism make him a disruptive and impactful defender. Offensively, Malique has a prototypical skillset for a contemporary NBA three-and-D wing, together with his capacity to run the ground, get above the rim and knock it down from lengthy vary.”
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Lewis performed 19 video games for the Capitanes final season, averaging 9.0 factors, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals.
“Malique is a extremely distinctive prospect and his potential is extremely thrilling,” Phoenix normal supervisor of basketball operations Simon Mitchell mentioned.
“He’s acquired nice attributes, he’s a fantastic dimension and he’s already as an astute defender, we’re wanting ahead to welcoming him to the Phoenix.”
Lewis is the fifth Subsequent Star to be locked in for the 2024-25 NBL season, with the league trying to construct on this system’s success in the newest NBA draft.
A document 4 Subsequent Stars have been drafted into the NBA final month, bringing the full to 9 for the reason that program’s inception, with Alex Sarr (decide 2, 2024), Ousmane Dieng (decide 11, 2022) Josh Giddey (decide 6, 2021) and LaMelo Ball (decide 3, 2020) all taken within the lottery.
CONFIRMED 2024-25 NBL NEXT STARS
Malique Lewis (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane Bullets)
Alex Toohey (Sydney Kings)
Roman Siulepa (Tasmania JackJumpers)
Izan Almansa (Perth Wildcats)