Next Star Alex Toohey's top plays for Sydney in '24-25

• Alex Toohey is averaging 10 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists
• Projected at 31 in the 2025 NBA Draft
• Toohey's NBL25 video highlights are stacked with a variety of different plays

Australian swing forward Alex Toohey's NBA Draft stocks are rising quickly. He is a projected early second round pick, potentially 31, in the 2025 draft.

At just 20 years old, Toohey has already established himself as a key player for Sydney Kings, showcasing a blend of athleticism, shooting prowess, and basketball IQ that belies his years.

Watch Alex Toohey's highlights from the NBL25 season in the video player above.

From Canberra to the Kings

Born on 5th May 2004 in Canberra, Toohey grew up in a family deeply entrenched in basketball culture. This early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future success. In 2020, Toohey took a significant step in his development by joining the Centre of Excellence and NBA Global Academy, programs known for nurturing Australia's top basketball talents.

Toohey's time at the Centre of Excellence proved crucial in his development. In 2023, he had a standout season in the NBL1 East, leading the Centre of Excellence to the regular season championship. His impressive averages of 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, coupled with an outstanding 56.3% shooting percentage across 16 games, caught the attention of NBA scouts and coaches.

The Next Stars Program

Initially, Toohey had committed to Gonzaga University, a powerhouse in US college basketball known for developing international talent. However, in a move that surprised many, he opted to remain closer to home and join the NBL Next Stars program.

This decision would prove pivotal in his career trajectory.

The Next Stars program, designed to provide a professional pathway for elite young talents, offered Toohey the opportunity to test his skills against seasoned professionals in the NBL, similarly to Josh Giddey, Alex Sarr and LaMelo Ball.

By choosing this route, Toohey positioned himself to fast-track his development and increase his visibility to NBA scouts.

Rookie Season with the Sydney Kings

Joining the Sydney Kings for the 2023-24 season, Toohey entered a high-pressure environment. Despite the challenges of adapting to professional basketball, Toohey showed promising signs in his rookie campaign.

In his debut season, Toohey averaged 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 22 minutes per game across 29 appearances. While these numbers might seem modest at first glance, they represent a solid foundation for a young player in a competitive league.

More importantly, Toohey displayed flashes of brilliance that hinted at his immense potential.

His ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game — shooting, scoring, finishing at the rim, and playmaking — made him a valuable asset for the Kings.

2024-25 Season: A Leap Forward

Returning to the Sydney Kings for the 2024-25 season, Toohey has taken a significant leap in his development. His averages have jumped to 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game

A deeper dive into Toohey's game logs for the current season reveals his increasing consistency and ability to influence games:

1. Scoring Ability: Toohey has demonstrated an improved scoring touch, with several standout performances. On December 25th, he exploded for 25 points, showcasing his ability to take over games offensively. His 21-point outing on December 20th, which included 11 rebounds, highlighted his potential as a double-double threat.
2. Efficiency: With a field goal percentage of 44%, Toohey has shown efficiency in his shot selection. His ability to score effectively from various spots on the court makes him a challenging matchup for defenders.
3. Clutch Performances: Toohey has risen to the occasion in crucial moments. On January 2nd, he posted a stellar line of 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, demonstrating his all-around game when it mattered most.
4. Defensive Contributions: While his offensive game garners much attention, Toohey's defensive efforts should not be overlooked. He has recorded multiple steals and blocks in several games, showcasing his commitment to both ends of the court.
5. Consistency: Perhaps most impressively, Toohey has shown remarkable consistency for a young player. He has scored in double figures in 15 of the 29 games logged, a testament to his reliability and growing role within the team.

Technical Breakdown of Toohey's Game

Standing at 203 cm (6'8") and weighing 101 kg, Toohey possesses the ideal physical profile for a modern NBA forward. His combination of size, strength, and agility allows him to play multiple positions effectively.

Offensively, Toohey's game is built on a solid foundation of shooting and scoring versatility. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting keeps defences honest, while his improved finishing around the rim makes him a threat in transition and half-court sets. As he continues to develop his ball-handling and playmaking skills, Toohey is evolving into a multi-dimensional offensive threat.

Defensively, Toohey's length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions. His ability to switch on screens and contest shots effectively makes him a valuable asset in today's switch-heavy defensive schemes. As he gains experience and strength, his defensive impact is likely to increase further.

The Road Ahead: NBA Aspirations

With the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon, Toohey finds himself in an enviable position. His performances in the NBL have undoubtedly caught the eye of NBA scouts, as well his NBL Next Stars status, and his continued development with the Sydney Kings provides an ideal platform to showcase his skills.

The NBL has increasingly become a launching pad for NBA talent, with players such as Giddey, Ball, RJ Hampton and Alex Sarr using the league as a springboard to NBA success.

Toohey's path mirrors that of these predecessors, and his trajectory suggests he could be the next in line to make the leap.