Alex Toohey: 'I'm ready to make the NBA leap'

• Alex Toohey won the NBL25 Next Generation Award
• Toohey will go to the US ahead of the 2025 NBA draft to work on his game
• Toohey credited Joe Ingles as someone to lean on as a young player

Australia's hoops community is buzzing with excitement as Sydney Kings forward Alex Toohey prepares for his potential journey to the NBA.

The winner of the NBL25 Next Generations Award, Toohey has emerged as one of Australia's brightest basketball prospects after a stellar sophomore season that showcased significant improvements across all facets of his game.

Growth and Development in NBL 25

Despite the Sydney Kings falling short of championship contention, Toohey's personal development was undeniable throughout the NBL 25 season. His shooting percentages improved remarkably, with an impressive six per cent increase in efficiency despite taking more shots.

"I feel good," Toohey told DraftStack.

"The result at the end wasn't there, but I think I ticked a lot of boxes in showing what I'm capable of. Obviously, I had ups and downs, but that's part of the process with everyone."

What stood out most about Toohey's growth was his defensive improvement, particularly in the latter portion of the season. His disruptive presence on the court became increasingly noticeable as his comfort level and understanding of defensive schemes expanded.

"I feel like that's more of my natural game — being disruptive on defence and creating opportunities," Toohey explained.

"I think that's something I got back to doing more this second year, being more comfortable and understanding defensive schemes."

The young forward credits multiple factors for his defensive evolution. Physically, he became "a lot stronger and a lot faster in the offseason," but mental aspects played an equally crucial role.

"No matter how athletic you are or how fast you are on defence, it's about how fast you can make decisions," he noted. "I was definitely faster in my decision-making this year (on defence) and was able to read where the ball was going to go. I had more of an idea about people's tendencies."

Learning from the Best

Toohey hasn't limited his basketball education to the NBL. He's taken full advantage of Australia's growing NBA presence by connecting with established Australian stars.

One particular influence has been Joe Ingles, someone Toohey idolised growing up. Their connection began when Toohey participated in the Boomers camp before the Olympics, providing invaluable exposure to elite-level play.

"I feel like a big thing with me is just seeing basketball and seeing players that you want to try and emulate one day," Toohey said.

"You absorb stuff and I think your body naturally tries to replicate what they do."

Conversations with Ingles have given Toohey insight into what establishing an NBA career really entails — from daily habits to understanding initial role limitations.

"Talking about, no matter what happens when you get there, it's probably not going to be a massive role. It's basically shoot the threes and play defence," Toohey explained.

"But after you prove that you can do those things, you'll get a few more opportunities on offence.

"Maybe you start out with one on-ball per game, and if you make the right reads, it will slowly start to increase."

Another influential figure has been Dyson Daniels, one of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year favourites, whom Toohey observed closely during the offseason.

Recognition and Looking Forward

Toohey's efforts were recognised when he secured the NBL 25 Next Generation Award, placing him in elite company among Australia's top basketball talents.

"It was cool," he said about winning the award.

"I probably wasn't expecting it. I thought Trentyn Flowers had a great year, and towards that back end was playing at a super high level, and obviously he's at that NBA level now."

While appreciative of the recognition, Toohey maintains perspective about what truly matters: "The awards are cool, but I think it's even more cool just understanding day to day that I improved and had successful habits."

After withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft to further develop his game in the NBL, Toohey now appears ready to take the leap.

When asked about declaring for the 2025 draft, he indicated his intentions: "I'll obviously see what the next little while looks like and speak to people around me, but it's definitely something that I'd be looking to do."

Pre-Draft Preparations

With approximately three months until the draft, Toohey has mapped out a comprehensive preparation plan.

"It'll be a mixture of a lot of training, a lot of weights, and making sure my body's right and my mind's right," he outlined.

This includes extensive work in Australia — one-on-one sessions to build his footwork and five-on-five runs with NBL talent — before heading to the United States to focus on draft-specific training.

His development priorities are clear: continuing to refine his shooting, improving his defensive versatility against guards, and expanding his finishing package, particularly in the mid-range.

"Finding that middle game, that floater game, and that footwork when you're not quite at the rim but figuring your way out in the middle of the key," he explained.

NBA Aspirations

Looking ahead to a potential NBA career, Toohey emphasises establishing "successful daily habits" as his primary goal. He acknowledges the various scenarios that could unfold — from extensive G League minutes to immediate NBA opportunities — and is prepared to adapt.

"I think it's just making sure I'm developing each day and learning from the people around me," he said.

"Trying to figure out my role on the team and help them win."

When asked which players he aims to emulate, Toohey named a diverse group: Joe Ingles, Manu Ginobili, Austin Reaves, Gordon Hayward, and Franz Wagner. He even mentioned Luka Dončić's angles and finishing ability as aspects of the game he studies.

Perhaps most telling about Toohey's mindset is what he wants NBA executives to know about him: "I'm capable of playing the one, two, three, or four in the right situation," highlighting his commitment to versatility.

Ready for the Next Challenge

As draft preparations intensify, Toohey carries himself with quiet confidence.

"I feel like now I'm definitely ready to make that next leap," he stated.

"Once we get over there, I'm definitely going to turn a few heads."

For Australian basketball fans, Toohey represents the next wave of homegrown talent ready to make an impact on the global stage.

His journey from Sydney Kings standout to potential NBA draftee demonstrates the continued strength of Australia's basketball development pathway.

With his combination of improved shooting, defensive acumen, positional versatility, and professional mindset, Alex Toohey has positioned himself as an intriguing prospect for NBA teams looking to add a multi-dimensional forward with significant upside.

As the basketball world turns its attention to the upcoming draft, Australia will be watching closely to see where the next chapter of Alex Toohey's promising career unfolds.