NBA hopeful Dash Daniels dashes to South East Melbourne Phoenix in NBL recruiting coup
Updated ,first published
Rising basketball star Dash Daniels says the South East Melbourne Phoenix’s up-tempo style will be the perfect fit after the athletic guard broke out against crosstown rivals.
Daniels, 18, and Melbourne United mutually parted ways this week.
NBL Next Star says Phoenix coach Josh King is ready to embrace a full-court defensive mentality.
“I’ve seen firsthand how Phoenix plays and it’s a style I’m excited to get involved in; focusing on defense and recovering 94 feet is something I’m looking forward to,” Daniels said.
“They’ve got great facilities, great coaches and I’ve played with a few players during my time at the Boomers, so I’m keen to start in the ‘Heartland’.”
King, who led Phoenix to the semi-finals last season before losing 2-1 to the Adelaide 36ers, said Daniels would increase the team’s backcourt options.
“We are thrilled to have Dash come to us and see his true value not only as a player but also as a person,” King said.
“He can play on both sides of the ball, defends extremely well, and shows great maturity on the field at such a young age. We’re excited to get started.”
Daniels, the brother of NBA guard Dyson Daniels, also hopes to play in the best basketball league in the world. He withdrew from this year’s NBA draft but plans to enter next year if his season in Phoenix goes well.
He can expect to be used more at both ends of the pitch under King, a recruitment coup that adds further spice to the already heated cross-town rivalry with United.
In a mixed 2025-26 season complete with growing pains, Daniels made 11 starts in 35 games. He averaged just 4.2 points per game, but recorded 14 points against the New Zealand Breakers in round one and nine points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals against Phoenix in round two.
Daniels replaces Trinidadian forward Malique Lewis, who was selected 60th overall by the Washington Wizards in this NBA draft, as Phoenix’s Next Star.
Phoenix kicks off its preseason preparations by hosting a Japanese B. League team at the State Basketball Center on August 6. There is also a friendly against United on 22 August.
Earlier this week, Daniels said he had nothing but respect for United.
“This is a highly professional organization from top to bottom and I have valued every stage of my journey with the club,” he said.
“I’m excited for what lies ahead, but I will always look back on my time at Melbourne United with great memories and true appreciation.”
ESPN Will Daniels go 40th overall in next year’s NBA draft, if he goes for it?
NBL’s Next Star general manager of recruitment, Liam Santamaria, thanked United for supporting Daniels’ development.
“Dash has grown significantly during his time in Melbourne and, thanks in large part to this fantastic work, I am confident he will be well positioned for a strong second season as Next Star.”
Daniels made 11 starts in 35 games last season. Although he averaged only 4.2 points per game, he had 14 points against the New Zealand Breakers in the first round and nine points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals against Phoenix in the second round.
An elite defensive dog much like Dyson, dubbed “The Great Barrier Thief” by US pundits, Dash has become more of a rotation player as United’s season has progressed and he still has a lot of work to do on his shooting technique.
The addition of NBA veteran Joe Ingles meant Daniels’ minutes could be squeezed next season under United’s new coach Jacob Chance.
United chief executive Nick Truelson said the club had enjoyed working with Daniels.
“Dash’s time at United was the result of the club’s and the Daniels family’s incredible commitment over the years to best prepare the guard for his ultimate goal of making it to the NBA,” Truelson said.
“Dash has regularly demonstrated his growing skillset at both ends of the floor, a testament to his readiness to contribute at a high level and the strength of the Next Star program.”
Chance is looking to attract two perimeter players and a big man to round out United’s roster at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Former NBA center Jesse Edwards could return after averaging 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game last season.
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Jon Pierik is a sports reporter for The Age. He covers the AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect with: X or email.
