Dash Daniels has revealed his next destination, with the NBL Next Star joining cross-town rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix just days after parting ways with Melbourne United.
Daniels signed with United ahead of last season as one of Australia’s highest-rated teenage prospects, entering the league as a 17-year-old with significant NBA interest. While his debut campaign had its challenges, the 18-year-old now gets a fresh start under Phoenix head coach Josh King, whose up-tempo, defence-first system appears well suited to his strengths.
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“We’re thrilled to have Dash cross over to us and we see real value in him as not only a player, but a person too,” King said.
“He can play on both sides of the ball, defends extremely well and shows great maturity on court at such a young age. We’re excited to get started.”
Daniels fits the mould of player King has been building his roster around. The Phoenix coach has emphasised two-way players who can defend with intensity, play at pace and thrive in an aggressive, high-pressure system. For a young guard whose biggest strengths already lie on the defensive end, the move appears to be a natural fit.
Dash Daniels will join cross-town rivals the South East Melbourne Phoenix. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
Dash Daniels will join cross-town rivals the South East Melbourne Phoenix. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
His advanced numbers from his rookie season do not immediately stand out. Daniels posted a 101.0 offensive rating, a 109.0 defensive rating and a player efficiency rating of 8.4 while averaging just 14.1 minutes per game. However, those figures came in a limited role, and increased opportunity in a system better suited to his game could see him take a significant step forward in his second NBL season.
Daniels said the Phoenix’s style of play, along with the chance to work under King, made the decision an easy one.
“I’ve seen first-hand how the Phoenix play and it’s a style that I’m excited to be involved with; the focus on defence and picking up 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 of the guys during my time with the Boomers, so I’m keen to get started in the Heartland.”
South East Melbourne General Manager of Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell echoed King’s excitement about the signing.
“Dash has an incredibly high ceiling and continues to develop on both sides of the ball,” Mitchell said
“He has the capacity to play multiple positions, and I feel like our game style will allow him to showcase his talents. We’re excited to play a role in his development and give him access to some of Australia’s best basketball facilities at the State Basketball Centre and assist him in his ultimate goal of being drafted to the NBA.”
Daniels joins a Phoenix roster featuring Nathan Sobey, Jordan Hunter, Angus Glover, Daniel Foster, Hunter Goodrick, Akech Aliir and Tanner Krebs, along with development players Ellis Biggar and Patrick Ryan.
The signing also gives South East Melbourne added roster flexibility. As a Next Star, Daniels does not occupy one of the club’s 11 primary roster spots, leaving the Phoenix with room to further strengthen the squad, potentially with three imports if they choose to go down that path.
With Daniels now in the fold and King entering his second full season as head coach, there is growing optimism that the Phoenix are assembling one of the league’s most intriguing young rosters ahead of NBL27.