13th May 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria is celebrating Victorian basketball star Dyson Daniels after he was named the recipient of the prestigious Frank Wilkes Award at the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards this evening.
Recognising the outstanding achievements of a Victorian male athlete on the national or international stage, the award caps off a remarkable 2024/25 NBA season for Daniels, who continues to make history on the global stage with the Atlanta Hawks.
Back home in Melbourne and surrounded by family for the occasion, Daniels was recognised following a season that saw him claim the NBA's Most Improved Player Award, earn NBA All-Defensive First Team honours and lead the league in steals with 202 for the season, at an average of 3.1 per game.
In doing so, Daniels became the youngest player in NBA history to record 200+ steals in a single season and just the second Australian named to an NBA All-Defensive First Team
Daniels’ rise from the Victorian pathway to one of the NBA's brightest young talents is also a proud reflection of the strength of Basketball Victoria's development system and the impact local pathways continue to have on the global stage
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,” Honey 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."
For Basketball Victoria's high-performance programs, Daniels’ journey continues to provide inspiration for the next generation of Victorian athletes coming through the pathways. General Manager Dom Linossier said Daniels embodies the values and standards the Victorian pathway system strives to develop.
"Dyson's rise is a powerful example of what is possible through the Victorian pathway,” Linossier 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."
Daniels’ achievements continue a growing legacy of Victorian athletes making their mark in the NBA and on the international basketball stage, while also highlighting Basketball Victoria's commitment to developing talent from grassroots through to elite competition.
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For all media enquires:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria – Media & Communications
0499 851 266
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
