NBL 2023: Alex Toohey turns back on US College to sign with Sydney Kings as NBL Next Star

He’s been described as the ‘next big thing in Australian basketball’ but instead of taking up a US College offer, Alex Toohey will play in the NBL.

Rising Australian forward Alex Toohey has turned his back on a US College stint at Gonzaga to sign with the Sydney Kings as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program.

Toohey, 19, was set to enrol and arrive at Gonzaga next week before electing to join in the NBL. The NBA Global Academy product has been weighing up a potential NBL stint since at least February.

Most recently, Toohey was part of the 12-person World Team that competed at the 2023 Nike Hoops Summit in Portland, Oregon.

As such, NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger knows Toohey’s signing is sure to garner great excitement around the league.

“Alex is poised to be the next big thing in Australian basketball and his signing is another indication of how strong and respected our Next Stars program is,” Loeliger said.

“Basketball has never been stronger in Australia, and Alex represents the next wave of exciting talent coming through.”

Teenage Australian Boomer Alex Toohey in action during FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Picture: Supplied

Toohey has signed with the Sydney Kings. Picture: Greg Francis/@DiscoveryOne_Photography

Toohey committed to Gonzaga in November last year, but it’s understood he has been privately struggling with the decision. He has been in discussions with the NBL and the Kings for months about remaining in Australia as a career path to the NBA draft.

“Over time, while evaluating my situation, I felt the best pathway for me was right here in my own backyard,” Toohey told ESPN.

“The opportunity to play for an organisation like Sydney in the esteemed Next Stars program was simply too good to turn down.”

Toohey was considered one of the most promising international prospects committing to the college route in the class of 2023, having already made a debut with his senior national team in FIBA competition in February 2021.

He joined the Boomers again for their FIBA World Cup qualifiers in August, November and February, a rarity for a player his age.

The Canberra-born forward has been playing in Australia’s NBL1 competition, averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 28 minutes per game.

Toohey is the first Australian player to commit to the NBL Next Stars program since fellow NBA Global Academy alumnus Josh Giddey, who was the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NBA draft after playing for the Adelaide 36ers.

Teenage Australian Boomer Alex Toohey in action during FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Picture: Supplied

The Next Stars program has gained steam in reeling in several highly touted international prospects currently projected to be drafted in 2024, including American guard A.J. Johnson (Illawarra), French big man Alex Sarr (Perth), Swedish wing Bobi Klintman (Cairns) and Lithuanian wing Mantas Rubstavicius (New Zealand).

“I’m super excited to be joining the Next Stars program and can’t wait to compete at the highest level in Australia and develop as a player,” Toohey said.

“I know it will take a lot of hard work and commitment, but the next stars program is a proven path.”

Toohey is excited to link with a Kings organisation loaded with NBA experience from the boardroom to the coach and his teammates.

“For me, joining the Sydney Kings means I will be part of a championship-winning team,” Toohey said.

“I am excited to play under Coach Mahmoud and learn from my teammates, as well as Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut, who have both been where I am aiming to go. I’m also thrilled to play in front of the awesome Sydney Kings fans.”

Originally published as NBL 2023: Alex Toohey turns back on US College to sign with Sydney Kings as NBL Next Star