Vickerman to take time with Dash's NBA dream

The Dash Daniels era at NBL club Melbourne United has officially begun.

The teenage NBA prospect saw his first action in United blue on Monday, January 6, 2025 — day one of an apprenticeship as a training player at Hoop City before he makes the jump to fully-fledged NBL Next Star next season.

Dash, who just turned 17, is the younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. Dyson is leading the NBA in steals this season after being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans before the start of the 2024-25 season.

Dash is among the highest-rated international prospects ahead of the 2026 NBA draft. Code Sports Basketball's Mick Randall reported the prodigy looked right at home mixing it up in scrimmages with players such as Flynn Cameron, Kyle Bowen, Akech Aliir and Tanner Krebs.

"It felt very good to get out with the boys for the first time and it was a challenge to see how the game's really played at a pro level," Daniels told Code Sports Basketball after his first session.

"It’s a lot quicker, the bodies are a lot bigger a lot stronger, it’s an adjustment to make but it was a good first day."

Randall reported that Daniels stood out with his speed, athleticism, vision and feel for the game.

His first basket involved a little freestyle — two dribbles right, rising with two hands at the free throw line before finishing with a neat one-handed floater.

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"He absolutely belongs on an NBL floor right now,” Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman said.

"He can go out there and defend and go by people, he’s going to be a good impact player in the NBL. Hopefully he’s a great impact player in the NBL.

"We’ll take our time and go slowly with it, teach him our system but really quality basketball of play that we’ve seen so far."

Melbourne United and former NBA player Jack White was equally buoyant about Daniels' first hit out.

"You have Delly (Matthew Dellavedova) and IC (Ian Clark), top-notch guys that you can learn from," White said.

"Everyone is super talented on our team and I think it’s gonna be great for him to compete against them everyday.

"He’s got really good physical skills … he’s got great length, and he’s athletic — super reminiscent of Dyson.

"They look similar, they’re built similar. They play a similar position they’re sort of versatile guards where they can play one to three and have the size to guard anyone."

Dash Daniels signs with NBL Next Stars Program

Dash became one of the youngest players in history to sign with the NBL by joining the prestigious Next Stars program in early December as a 16-year-old.

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 at the signing.

"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 get excited about.

The Next Stars program has proven to be a successful pathway to the NBA for several players, including LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr. By choosing this route, Daniels will have the opportunity to compete against seasoned professionals and further develop his game in a highly competitive environment.

Next Stars Recruitment GM Liam Santamaria said: "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."

— Portions of this article have been republished with the permission of Code Sports Basketball