Top Victorian sport award win for proud Daniels

THE accolades continue to flow for Bendigo-born and raised NBA product Dyson Daniels, crowned the winner of the Frank Wilkes Award at last week’s the Victorian Sport Awards.

Back in Melbourne after the Atlanta Hawks were eliminated from the first round of the NBA playoffs by the New York Knicks earlier this month, Daniels accepted the honour in person at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the MCG.

The award recognises an individual male athlete, who has achieved outstanding results in respect to performances at a national or international level during 2025.

Daniels snared the award ahead of a crack field of contenders that included Bendigo cycling star Blake Agnoletto, world snowboarding champion Scott James and sailor Mark Bulka.

The humble 23-year-old was quick to praise family and friends and the pathway that landed him in the world’s premier professional basketball league.

“Being a part of all the pathways here in Victoria really shaped me into who I am today,” Daniels said after receiving the award.

“Coming from Bendigo there is a really good junior pathway that helped me develop and I had a lot of people in my corner who put in extra work to help get me to where I am today.

“I wouldn’t be here without my family and friends. I’ve got a really good support system behind me and I’m grateful for everyone who has played a part in where I am today.

“I dreamed of being in this position (playing in the NBA) and you really don’t know what it’s like until you get there.

“It has taken a lot of hard work, but playing in front of 20,000 people a night in arguably one of the best leagues in the world is surreal.

“I’ve just finished my fourth year and I’m trying to take every moment in and not take any of it for granted because it will be over quicker than you know.”

Daniels last year became only the second Australian to make an NBA All-Defensive First team.

 

He finished second in voting for the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Daniels created more history during the 2024-25 season as he led the league with 202 steals at an average of 3.1 per game while playing for the Hawks.

He became the youngest player in NBA history to record 200-plus steals in a single season while his stats compared to the previous season jumped from 5.8 points to 14.1 per game, 1.4 steals to 3.1 per game, 3.9 rebounds to 5.9 per game and 2.7 assists to 4.4 per game.

Those achievements helped him earn the NBA Most Improved Player Award – another first for an Australian.

Daniels, originally drafted with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, was traded to the Hawks in July of 2024.

More awards success followed Daniels’ Bendigo Sports Star of the Year win in March this year.

The Victorian basketball community was quick to celebrate Daniels’ latest accomplishment.

Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said Daniels’ success was a proud moment for the entire Victorian basketball community.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Dyson recognised with the Frank Wilkes Award and celebrated amongst Victoria’s best athletes,” he said.

“What Dyson has achieved on the world stage this season has been extraordinary, but what makes it even more special for the Victorian basketball community is seeing one of our own come through the pathway and represent Victoria, and Australia, with such humility and professionalism.

“To have him back in Melbourne surrounded by family for this recognition makes the moment even more meaningful.”

Basketball Victoria general manager Dom Linossier said Daniels’ journey provided inspiration for the next generation of Victorian athletes coming through the pathways.

“Dyson’s rise is a powerful example of what is possible through the Victorian pathway,” he said.

“From his early development years through to the international stage, he has consistently shown incredible work ethic, competitiveness and character.

“His success is inspiring young athletes across Victoria and reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in strong development pathways here in our state.”