13
Dec
NBA Pathway
16-year-old Dash signs on NBL Next Stars dotted line
Australian basketball prodigy Dash Daniels has signed a professional contract as part of the NBL's Next Star program to play for Melbourne United in NBL26.
Dash Daniels one of youngest NBL Next Stars in history
- Signed with Melbourne United in NBL Next Stars program at age 16
- Led 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup in steals per game
- Named Player of the Tournament at 2024 U18 National Championships
Dash Daniels is one of Australia's most exciting young basketball prospects, already making waves in the basketball world at just 16 years old. He is now one of the youngest players in history to sign with the NBL by joining the prestigious Next Stars program.
The NBL announced Daniel's signing on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Next Stars is a proven pathway to the NBA.
"I feel great. Signing my first pro contract, it’s a dream come true, and I can’t wait to get started," Daniels said.
"I’ve grown up in the Australian programs, so I know the style of play and the brand of basketball. Melbourne United, I play very similar to them, they take pride in their defence, and they love to get up and down the court, which is what I like to do.”
As a 6'6" point guard, Daniels possesses a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that has scouts and fans are starting to froth about.
Key Details
- Name: Dash Daniels
- Age: 16 (17 this month — December)
Team: Melbourne United (NBL)
Position: Point Guard
Size: 6'6" (198 cm)
Daniels' playing style is characterised by his defensive prowess and versatility. Like his older brother Dyson, who leads the NBA in steals, Dash is known for his disruptive defensive abilities. His quick feet, long arms, and strong frame allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, making him a nightmare for opponents on the perimeter.
Offensively, Daniels showcases a well-rounded skill set that belies his young age. He excels in pick-and-roll situations, demonstrating an advanced understanding of how to read defenses and make the right decisions. His court vision and passing ability make him a natural facilitator, while his improving jump shot and ability to finish at the rim will round out his offensive arsenal.
Brother Dyson said: "6'6", my height now. You know, he's going to have the opportunity to make the NBA, he's got the skillset, he's got all the things he needs
Daniels' career trajectory has been on a steep upward curve since his early teens. He honed his skills at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, following in the footsteps of other successful Australian prospects such as Josh Giddey. This experience exposed him to high-level coaching and international competition, accelerating his development.
On the international stage, Daniels has already made his mark. He represented Australia at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, where he led the tournament in steals per game, showcasing his defensive prowess on the global stage.
This performance caught the eye of scouts and cemented his status as a top international prospect.
Domestically, Daniels has been equally impressive. He was named Player of the Tournament at Basketball Australia's 2024 U18 National Championships, dominating against older competition and demonstrating his ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations.
Daniels' decision to sign with Melbourne United as part of the NBL Next Stars program marks a significant milestone in his young career. This program has proven to be a successful pathway to the NBA for several players, including LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey. By choosing this route, Daniels will have the opportunity to compete against seasoned professionals and further develop his game in a highly competitive environment.
The move to Melbourne United is particularly intriguing, as the team has a strong track record of developing young talent. Head coach Dean Vickerman has expressed excitement about working with Daniels, highlighting the young guard's physical readiness for the NBL despite his age.
Vickerman said he was excited.
"The recruitment of Dash has been ongoing for a while now,” Vickerman revealed.
"Once we knew that he had interest in the Next Stars program, we knew it could be a really good fit.
"We’ve got a great relationship with the Daniels family, and it’s been amazing to see the type of basketball Dyson has been playing.
"It’s really exciting to have him join the club. He’s really young, but I think his body is certainly ready for the NBL. As a guard that can really defend and live a lot of our qualities, I think he’ll be great for us.
As we did with (former Next Star and now New York Knicks centre) Ariel (Hukporti), we want to create an environment where he is comfortable and that will help him develop during his time here.
"The Next Stars program is a proven pathway to get top players into the NBA and we’re ecstatic to be part of it once again."
United revealed Daniels will joined the team in January as a training player for the remainder of NBL25.
"Being able to go up against the Matthew Dellavedova’s, the Jack White’s, the Shea Ili’s, all those types of guys, it’s going to be super helpful for me. They’re the vets, they’ve been there and they’re going to help me a lot," Daniels said.
"I’m just going to bring all my effort to practice every day."
Next Stars Recruitment GM Liam Santamaria declared securing Daniels as an NBL Next Star was a big deal for the program.
"This is a huge moment for the Next Stars program and helps validate it as one of the best pathways to the NBA,” Santamaria said.
"Like Dyson, Dash is a menace at the defensive end of the floor, where his quick feet, long arms and strong body make him a highly disruptive defender. He also possesses a really high basketball IQ and a well-developed offensive skillset, including an ability to operate out of ball-screens and create for both himself and others
"Dash’s decision to develop his game as part of the Next Stars program will give him the best possible chance to grow his stock ahead of nominating for the NBA Draft. We are so excited to be partnering with Melbourne in support of Dash and know that Dean Vickerman, and the entire team at United, will integrate him into a winning culture – one that has helped multiple players advance to the NBA in recent years.”
Five Fast Facts about Dash Daniels:
- Dash is the younger brother of NBA player Dyson Daniels
- He led the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup in steals per game
- Daniels was named Player of the Tournament at the 2024 U18 National Championships
- He signed with Melbourne United at age 16, making him one of the youngest players in NBL history
- Daniels developed his skills at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra
Career Highlights Timeline
2023: Represented Bendigo in various junior competitions, showcasing his talent at the local level
2024: Led the FIBA U17 World Cup in steals per game, representing Australia
2024: Named Player of the Tournament at Basketball Australia's U18 National Championships
2024: Signed with Melbourne United as part of the NBL Next Stars program
Dash Daniels represents the next generation of Australian basketball talent. His decision to join the NBL Next Stars program with Melbourne United is a strategic move that positions him for future success in the NBA. With his exceptional defensive skills, versatile offensive game, and impressive physical tools, Daniels has all the makings of a future star.
As he prepares to make his professional debut in the 2025/26 NBL season, all eyes will be on Daniels to see how he adapts to the rigours of professional basketball. If his rapid development and impressive achievements to date are any indication, Dash Daniels is well on his way to becoming the next Australian sensation in the basketball world, potentially following in his brother's footsteps to NBA stardom.
About the Author
Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.
