Daniels makes dash to crosstown rivals

NBA prospect Dash Daniels has wasted no time in revealing his next NBL move.

The 18-year-old NBL Next Star has joined South East Melbourne Phoenix for the 2026-27 season.

His signing came hot on the heels of the announcement two days earlier of his mutual release from crosstown rivals Melbourne United, where he averaged 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game last season.

He appeared in 35 games for United, starting in 11.

Daniels – the younger brother of Atlanta Hawks and Australian Boomers star Dyson Daniels – will make a home debut when the Phoenix and all other NBL teams converge on Bendigo in September for the pre-season NBL Blitz tournament.

Ranked at No. 40 in ESPN’s most recent 2027 NBA mock draft, he earned best defender honours at last month’s Adidas EuroCamp in Treviso, Italy, and was a member of the Boomers team that won gold at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

Daniels hailed his decision to join the Phoenix as an ‘easy one’ due to their up-tempo style of play and the chance to work under head coach Josh King.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the Phoenix play and it’s a game style that I’m excited to be involved with, the focus on defence and picking up 94ft 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.”

Daniels joins the Phoenix at an exciting time in their evolution, after advancing to last season’s semi-finals with a 22-11 record.

Phoenix general manager of basketball operations Simon Mitchell believes Daniels will thrive in the Phoenix’s high-pace game style after showing plenty of promise in his first year as a professional.

“Dash has an incredibly high ceiling and continues to develop on both sides of the ball. He has the capacity to play multiple positions, and I feel like our game style will allow him to showcase his talents,” Mitchell said.

“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.”

Addressing his departure from the Phoenix’s rivals, Daniels said he had nothing but respect for Melbourne United.

“It’s a highly professional organisation from top to bottom, and I’ve valued every part of my journey with the club,” he said.

“I’m excited for what’s ahead, but I’ll always look back on my time with Melbourne United with amazing memories and true appreciation.”

Daniels joins Jordan Hunter, Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover, Akech Aliir, Tanner Krebs, Hunter Goodrick, Daniel Foster, Pat Ryan (development player) and Ellis Biggar (development player) on the Phoenix’s contracted roster for NBL27.