United secure Dash Daniels as Next Star signing for NBL26

Melbourne United is thrilled to announce that one of the most exciting Australian basketball prospects, Dash Daniels, has signed with the team for NBL26 through the NBL Next Stars program.

Daniels, who will turn 17 years old later this month, is one of the youngest players ever to sign in the NBL and is already a projected future first round NBA Draft pick.

The 195cm guard has voiced his anticipation ahead of joining the United lineup.

“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.” 

Having spent the past few years representing Australia at the junior level, including at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, where he led the tournament in steals per game, while developing his game at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Daniels is ready to make an immediate impact in the NBL.

Head Coach Dean Vickerman spoke about his excitement to secure Daniels’ signature and can’t wait to help guide him throughout his journey to the NBA.

“The recruitment of Dash has been ongoing for a while now,” Vickerman explained.

“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 current New York Knicks center) 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.”

The guard will join Melbourne United as a training player for the remainder of NBL25, starting in January, something that Daniels believes will help his transition to professional basketball.

“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. 

“I’m just going to bring all my effort to practice every day.”

Vickerman echoed these sentiments.

“I think it’s going to be huge for him. It’s going to mean there’s not that learning curve when he comes into the lineup and we can get a lot of understanding into him about how we operate and how we do things, especially defensively with what we’re going to demand from him.

“It’s going to be super important for his development and the trust we build together.”

Above all, Daniels wants to have success with United, with goals of hoisting the Dr John Raschke Trophy.

“That’s another main goal of mine, trying to win a championship. I’m going to bring everything to this team that I’ve got, I’m going to play defence, I’m going to give energy, I’m going to try and get that championship for the team.”

The best way to make sure you’re there to see every step of Daniels’ journey is to UNITE with us and become a Melbourne United Member.

Sign up for our NBL26 Membership Waitlist here.