Lopez to suit up for Mexico in FIBA Qualifiers

BNZ Breakers forward Karim Lopez has earned the call-up to represent Mexico in the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers. 

Lopez’s selection comes off the back of a great start to the NBL25 season, with the 17-year-old catching fire in his last four matches averaging 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game, while he has already notched two double-doubles.

Lopez’s basketball journey has already taken him across borders and leagues. 

He first made his mark in the Mexican pro league before catching the attention of international scouts, leading to stints in Spain and then heading to the Breakers as a Next Stars signing.

Lopez represented Mexico in two fixtures against the Dominican Republic in February this year as well as Olympic qualifiers.

“It’s definitely the biggest honour for me. Going out there and representing my country is a surreal feeling” Lopez said.

“Since I was a kid I thought and dreamt about it and now it’s a reality.”

As the son of former Mexican player Jesus ‘Chino’ Lopez, he is proud to continue the family tradition.

“I started watching the national team looking at him. Now doing the same is great - it’s a full circle moment.

“I’m much better as a player now than I was then [when I last played for Mexico]. I’m trying to build from there and improve every single day.

“I put a lot of work in so I expect to be better every single day. The work gives you the confidence and now it’s starting to show.”

Mexico go up against Nicaragua in Managua on Saturday 23 November (NZT) and Canada in Saskatoon on Tuesday 26 November (NZT).