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Dash Daniels has made a bold and exciting decision, committing to Melbourne United for the 2024-25 season as part of the NBL’s highly regarded Next Stars program.

This opportunity marks a critical step in Daniels’ basketball journey, as he follows in the footsteps of elite prospects who have leveraged the program to catapult their careers toward the NBA.

The 17-year-old will sign a multi-year contract with Melbourne but will remain eligible for the NBA Draft in June 2026, positioning him as a potential history-maker, being one of the youngest draft picks in the one-and-done era thanks to his Dec. 18 birthday.

Daniels is no stranger to the pressure of elite basketball development. His older brother, Dyson Daniels, was selected No. 8 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft after honing his skills with G League Ignite.

Dash is ready to forge his path and sees the NBL as the perfect environment to prepare for the next stage of his career.

“I am joining one of the toughest leagues in the world,” Daniels shared with ESPN. “Playing against grown men at a young age will only help me develop. The Next Stars Program has proven to help lots of young stars achieve their dream of playing in the NBA, which is mine also.”

A defensive prodigy with an impressive plus-four wingspan, Daniels has already drawn comparisons to his brother for his ability to disrupt opponents and create transition opportunities. However, he’s quick to point out the nuanced differences in their games.

“We do have our similarities and differences,” Dash explained. “We both love playing defense, getting steals, reading what the offense is doing, being able to jump the lanes, and being in the right help positions.

“We both get out in transition, get to the midrange floater game, and are aggressive getting on the rim. I play a little bit more with the ball in my hands, create for teammates, use more on-ball screens, and beat my defender off of a quick first step.”

The Next Stars program has established itself as a premier platform for young athletes aiming to bridge the gap between amateur and professional basketball.

With alumni like LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey achieving NBA success, the program has demonstrated its ability to mold rising talent.

Daniels’ decision to join the program reflects his commitment to growth, as he prepares to face seasoned competitors and hone his skills against professionals.

Melbourne United has expressed excitement about the addition of Daniels to their roster, seeing him as a key piece in their upcoming campaign.

For Dash, the challenge of playing in one of the world’s toughest leagues is a motivator, and his competitive drive suggests he’ll embrace the opportunity to learn and thrive in the NBL.