Key play highlights Daniels’ upside ahead of NBA draft
Shayne Hope |
It was the move that told NBA scouts plenty about top draft prospect Dash Daniels’ progression in his rookie season as an NBL Next Star.
And Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman was sure to point it out.
Up against 10-year NBL veteran and title-winner Majok Deng, Daniels showcased his “massive” upside in a matter of seconds.
“We saw a move he made; Majok Deng, drive the lane, take a bump, make a fadeaway,” Vickerman said.
“There’s just some things that he’s starting to do to say that’s a good confidence level to attack that area of the game.
“There’s still a big upswing for him.”
Projected as a first-round selection in this year’s NBA draft, 18-year-old Daniels is set to join older brother and Atlanta Hawks star Dyson Daniels in the world’s best league next season.
The 198cm guard has averaged 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.8 steals in less than 15 minutes on court for Melbourne, playing an important role blunting some of the NBL’s hottest offensive talents.
“That’s what I do,” Daniels said on Monday.
“It’s pretty much my job to go out there, guard the best guy, not let them get going and force them into tough shots.
“If they make tough shots, then so be it, but I’m just going out there doing my job.”
Daniels’ defensive attributes mirror those of his brother – the so-called “Great Barrier Thief” – who ranks third in the NBA for steals this season after leading the league last year.
And while Dash is eager to forge his own identity, Dyson is playing an important role as a sounding board behind the scenes.
“At the end of the day we’re brothers and we talk about daily stuff, what we’re doing and all that,” Daniels said.
“But when it comes to it, he tells me what I need to improve on and what I need to get better at.
“He’s super good. He lets me be me, have fun and go out there and be myself.”
Bendigo product Daniels bypassed a possible US college career to turn pro in the NBL and is set to join a growing number of Next Star graduates in the NBA.
“I’ve been able to play against men and higher IQ guys, and that’s super important, so of course I’m learning every day,” Daniels said.
“I’m working on different skills; my shooting, dribbling, finishing, all-round game.
Melbourne have entertained a string of NBA scouts at their Hoop City Cheltenham headquarters, all eager to get a closer look at Daniels ahead of the draft.
“I’m just going game by game and trying my best to get on the (draft) board,” Daniels said.
“I’m doing what I can do and at the end of the day those scouts see everything and they know what they’re doing.”
Before then, there is an NBL championship at stake.
Melbourne (15-8) sit firmly among the leading challengers to title favourites Adelaide, ahead of crunch games against Cairns and Sydney in round 16.
It will be a homecoming for Daniels when United host the Taipans in the first of two ‘home’ games in Bendigo on Wednesday.
“That’s what we’re playing for every day; trying to get that championship,” Daniels said.
“We’ve got 10 games left to prove ourselves in the regular season and then finals start, and that’s when everything needs to be on par.”
AAP
