Daniels making it big – Bendigo Sports Star Award

BASKETBALL prodigy Dyson Daniels has been named as a Bendigo Sports Star for May.

Currently in Latvia preparing to represent Australia in the FIBA under-19 Basketball World Cup, the 18-year-old said it’s great to have the support of his hometown behind him.

“It’s a great feeling. I love my home community and to be able to receive the Sports Star Award means a lot to me. I grew up in Bendigo, did everything in Bendigo so it means a lot,” he said.

A 198-centimetre guard, Daniels played a key part in Victoria’s silver medal at the national under-20 Basketball Championships in Mackay, accumulating 83 points, 43 rebounds and six steals over five games.

The son of Bendigo Braves champion Ricky Daniels, Daniels recently signed with NBA G-League Ignite, a team competing in the NBA’s minor league, in hopes of being drafted in 2022.

“There were a lot of options,” he said. “College, NBL, but I came to the decision to choose NBA G-League because I think it’s the best pathway for my main goal, the NBA.

“I’m hoping to go over there and have some good performances in the NBA G-League season and from there hopefully get looked at by scouts and get my name up in the high lottery pick.”

At 16 years old, Daniels moved to Canberra to join the NBA Academy, relishing every opportunity he has earned at a young age.

“In February I played for Australia Boomers, at the highest level and that was a real good opportunity,” he said.

“All the opportunities I’ve been given I don’t take for granted.”

Already impressing on a global scale, the six-foot-six guard is a player for all fans of basketball to keep an eye out for.