Rising Australian guard Dyson Daniels tempted by NBL Next Stars Program

Rising Australian guard Dyson Daniels has the basketball world at his feet, and he has the support of plenty of high profile people to help him join the likes of Ben Simmons in the NBA.

Rising Australian guard Dyson Daniels – the kid believed to be on the same path as Ben Simmons – has enlisted the support of Australian NBA star Matthew Dellavedova as he weighs up his next career move between US College and the NBL’s Next Stars program.

Daniels, 17 and hailing from Bendigo in Victoria, is on a collision course with the world’s best league according to those in the know at Basketball Australia.

The affable guard, who has been part of the NBA Global Academy based at the Institute of Sport in Canberra, starred on debut for Australia in the Boomers’ impressive Asia Cup qualifier win over New Zealand in Cairns last month.

Daniels led the way with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists, showcasing his defensive ability as he also picked up six steals.

His standout display attracted widespread praise and prompted him to reach out to fellow Victorian Dellavedova for advice.

Rising Australian guard Dyson Daniels has the basketball world at his feet. Picture: Cameron Laird/FIBA

“Yeah, I got in contact with Delly a little bit after the game (v New Zealand),” Daniels said as part of a longer interview that will be released on NBA Australia’s social accounts.

“He asked me if I ever needed to reach out that I contact him.

“If I ever have questions or want to hear from him, then it might be something I’m going to do.”

Daniels, whose father Ricky Daniels was originally a SEABL import for the Bendigo Braves out of NC State, is yet to decide his next career move.

He says the NBL’s Next Stars program is tempting, particularly following the success of LaMelo Ball and former junior Australian teammates Josh Giddey and Mojave King.

“That does play a big part with the Next Stars program that’s been going on,” he said.

“I thought, LaMelo Ball and R.J Hampton, who got drafted last year, it’s obviously boosted Australian basketball and more people will have eyes on it and you got Giddey and Mo coming through this year, two big players doing their thing.

Australian NBA star Matthew Dellavedova is in Daniels’s corner. Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP

“It helps with the Australian basketball side of things but, yeah, I’m still 50/50 on what I want to do and I don’t want to make a decision so soon.

“I’m still choosing and deciding what opportunity I want.

“I’m not looking to make a decision on the spot or anytime soon, but just trying to stay focused on my development at the moment, and when the time comes, being able to make the right decisions is my focus and what I want to do next year.”

There is no doubting Daniels has the potential to make the NBA, but in a good sign for his long-term success, he has his feet firmly planted on the ground.

“I try not to build my ego up,” he said.

“I just tend to think just to stay calm and being able to go put in the work and keep getting better.”