Dash Daniels charts his course to the NBA

• Dash Daniels has signed on as an NBL Next Star with Melbourne United
• If he declares, will be one of the youngest players eligible in the 2026 NBA Draft
• Daniels attended the recent Nike Hoops Summit for 2026 prospects, but had to withdraw due to injury

In a basketball world where pathways to the NBA continue to diversify, Dash Daniels stands confident as he prepares for his journey through the NBL Next Stars prom.

With a dream of following in the footsteps of successful predecessors like Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr, the promising guard has set his sights firmly on the 2026 NBA Draft, where he believes he belongs among the top prospects.

Choosing the NBL Path

The NBL Next Stars programme has established itself as a legitimate pathway to the NBA, with several players making successful transitions to the world's premier basketball league. For Daniels, this track record of success was a significant factor in his decision.

"I think the Next Stars has proven its success over the past couple of years," Daniels explains to Draft Stack.

"We've had guys like Josh Giddey, Alex Sarr—those big name guys that have been drafted recently and they've gone on to do some pretty special things."

While college basketball remains the traditional route for many prospects, Daniels faced a unique situation that influenced his decision. "I wouldn't be eligible for college for another year," he reveals, highlighting how this timing issue narrowed his options.

The G-League pathway, which his older brother Dyson Daniels took through the now-defunct Ignite program, was also a consideration. "The G-League would have been a consideration if it kept stayed alive," Daniels notes, referring to the Ignite program's discontinuation. Ultimately, he determined the NBL offered the best development opportunity for his specific circumstances.

Role with Melbourne United

Since signing with Melbourne United months ago, Daniels has established a clear understanding of his role under head coach Dean Vickerman. The coaching staff has high expectations for the young guard.

"The coaches believe in me to come to the team, be a leader, be that point guard, and really try and find my voice with the team," Daniels says. This leadership role, despite his youth, speaks to the confidence the organisation has in his abilities.

The support from the coaching staff was actually a determining factor in his decision to join Melbourne United. "That was probably one of the biggest reasons why I chose it—the support of the coaching staff," he emphasises.

Developing in NBL1

As part of his development plan, Daniels will also spend time with the Sabres in NBL1 during the offseason. This opportunity will allow him to showcase different aspects of his game compared to his role with Melbourne United.

"Being able to go into the Sabres programme and be that leading point guard, be able to create a little bit for myself and for my teammates as well—it's gonna be a much bigger role," Daniels explains.

This expanded role provides a perfect platform for Daniels to demonstrate his capabilities to NBA scouts. "It's another way to show the scouts what I can do," he notes, understanding that his time with the Sabres will give him more on-ball opportunities and chances to prove himself as a primary playmaker.

Measuring Against the 2026 Draft Class

Daniels had the opportunity to gauge himself against other top prospects in his draft class at the Nike Hoops Summit, including standouts AJ Asiabara and Cambuza, before suffering an injury that cut his participation short.

"I had my first three days at the camp before I got injured. I can evaluate myself with those other guys, and I think I'm sitting in a pretty good position right now," Daniels reflects.

Having observed these elite prospects over time, Daniels recognises their growth while remaining confident in his own development. "I've been able to see AJ and Cambuza over the last two years since the World Cup. That was my first time seeing them. And then at the Hoops Summit, they've gotten so much better—and so have I."

When asked if he believes he belongs in the same conversation as the top prospects in his draft class, Daniels responds without hesitation: "One hundred percent. I think I'm a top five guy, and that's what I'm striving to be. This next season, that's what I'm trying to prove."

All-Around Development

Since gaining recognition as a top prospect at the World Cup, Daniels has focused on developing every aspect of his game.

"I think I've worked on pretty much everything, and I think I've improved in every way possible," he states. "At the World Cup, I thought I was really good defensively, and I think I've taken a whole another step again."

While defense remains his calling card, Daniels has dedicated significant effort to rounding out his offensive game. "The things that I'm good at, I think I've gotten even better at, and the things that I wasn't so good at—my shot and all that—I think that's gotten a lot better as well."

This comprehensive approach to development has left Daniels feeling he doesn't have any major weaknesses in his game. "That's the main part of my game—I don't really have too big of a flaw, and I can do a little bit of everything."

Self-Assessment and NBA Potential

When asked to pitch his game to a hypothetical NBA executive who hasn't scouted him, Daniels emphasises his versatility.

"I'm just a very versatile player. I can play from the one to the three, and it wouldn't really matter because I think I'm very good in those positions," he explains. "I can do pretty much everything without having too big of a flaw in my game, and that's something that not a lot of players have."

Daniels believes his skills will translate well to the NBA level, though he acknowledges the adjustment period that comes with jumping to the world's most competitive basketball league.

"The NBA is the top league in the world, so once I get there, there's gonna be some learning curves," he admits. "There's only some things that you can control, and that's your effort, your energy, and all that stuff, so I'm gonna bring that to every team that I play for."

Despite being primarily known for his defensive prowess, Daniels has lofty offensive ambitions. When asked if he believes he can become a number one offensive option at the NBA level, he responds confidently: "One hundred percent. I think my play style—I've got so much more to improve on in my offensive game, and for sure, I think I can be the number one guy."

Basketball Influences

As for his basketball inspirations, Daniels points to several two-way players who excel on both ends of the court.

"Obviously, my brother Dyson—he's had a big influence on me with how he plays and how he's improved this year, obviously winning Most Improved Player," Daniels says with pride. "Just taking part of his defensive game and how he's improved offensively."

"Not many people have a brother in the NBA or any kind of tie in the NBA," Daniels acknowledges. "Just to talk to someone that's already at that level and learn off him—I've been pretty much through every single program that he's been through throughout his junior career."

The similar pathways the brothers have taken gives Dash unique insights as he follows a parallel journey. "We got some very similar pathways, so just to be able to talk to a guy like that—it's incredible, and I'm super grateful to have someone like him by my side."

Beyond his brother, Daniels also mentions established NBA stars known for their two-way abilities. "There's a couple of other guys—Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards—those two-way guys that play defence, get out on offence. Those are some guys that I look up to."