Victorian Dyson Daniels has become the latest Victorian player to earn his place in the NBA!
Daniels was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans at pick eight in the 2022 NBA Draft, with all of Victoria - especially his home town Bendigo - celebrating the fantastic achievement of this incredible rising star.
From his earliest days in Victorian basketball, rising up through the Victoria Country pathway into the Victorian National Performance Program and State Performance Program, Daniels' talent put him on an incredible trajectory and he backed it up every step of the way throughout his time in the Victorian colours.
Starring at all levels throughout his time in Victorian junior basketball, Daniels impressed immediately as he earned a call-up to the Victoria Country Under-16 team as a bottom age player - one of the rarest and toughest challenges for a player in the Victorian High Performance system.
He continued his stellar state representative career as he was selected in five consecutive Victorian teams, with Daniels' time in the Victorian jersey culminating in a silver medal at the 2021 Australian Under-20 Junior Championships in Mackay, Queensland.
Other outstanding highlights in his junior career in Australia include helping guide Bendigo to a Kumon National Junior Classic victory as an Under-16 representative, making his NBL1 debut for Bendigo at 16 years old, earning his call-up to the Australian team in 2021 to represent the Boomers and receiving a scholarship to the NBA Global Academy and Centre of Excellence.
Leaving Australian shores last year to pursue his ultimate dream, Daniels headed to the G-League and impressed scouts with his competitiveness and unselfishness at both ends of the floor while playing with the G-League Ignite team. Averaging 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists, Daniels had such an impressive season that they invited him to play in the NBA All-Star weekend as a Rising Star.
Daniels is the second Victorian selected in the NBA Draft in as many years, with Josh Giddey selected in 2021 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
