Sprint Daniels, one of many prime worldwide prospects within the 2026 NBA draft class, has dedicated to becoming a member of Melbourne United as a part of the NBL’s Subsequent Stars program subsequent season, he introduced Friday.
Sprint Daniels joins Melbourne United as a part of the NBL’s Subsequent Stars program, will turn out to be draft-eligible in June 2026
The 6-foot-6 Daniels, who’s the brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, turns 17 years previous on Dec. 18. Regardless of signing a multi-year contract, he’ll turn out to be draft-eligible in June 2026.
“I’m becoming a member of one of many hardest leagues on the earth,” Daniels informed ESPN. “Taking part in towards grown males at a younger age will solely assist me develop. The Subsequent Stars Program has confirmed to assist a number of younger stars obtain their dream of taking part in within the NBA, which is mine additionally. ”
Sprint Daniels – one of many prime worldwide prospects within the 2026 NBA draft – has signed with Melbourne United as a part of the NBL Subsequent Stars program, he tells ESPN. He’s the brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who has emerged as one of many NBA’s premier defenders. pic.twitter.com/kbg1bIzmTc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2024
In accordance with ESPN’s Shams Charania, Daniels follows lottery picks Alex Sarr, Josh Giddey, LaMelo Ball, and Ousmane Dieng into the Australian league’s Subsequent Stars program, which now has two potential 2026 lottery picks, together with Mexican ahead Karim Lopez of the New Zealand Breakers.
Sprint’s brother, Dyson, was chosen eighth total within the 2022 NBA draft out of the now-inactive Ignite of the G League. By means of 24 video games (all begins) this season, he’s averaging profession highs of 13.7 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and three.2 steals per contest. His steals-per-game common additionally leads the league.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Sprint’s brother, leads the NBA in steals and is a prime Defensive Participant of the Yr candidate
The 21-year-old was named the NBA’s Japanese Convention Defensive Participant of the Month in December and is main the league in steals (73) and steals per 36 minutes (3.2), per Basketball-Reference. Dyson might turn out to be the youngest participant ever to win NBA Defensive Participant of the Yr.
“It’s been nice to look at all of the success he’s having,” Sprint informed ESPN. “I at all times knew he had it in him. It was only a matter of time earlier than he began placing himself on the map. He’s lastly being acknowledged for all of the little issues he does to assist his staff win.”
Sprint Daniels is anticipated to turn out to be an elite NBA defender, identical to his brother. He recorded a tournament-high 3.6 steals per recreation on the FIBA U17 World Cup this previous summer time in Istanbul.
Charania famous that the largest distinction between Sprint and Dyson is their peak. Though Sprint is 6-foot-6, Dyson is reportedly an inch taller at 6-foot-7, in keeping with NBA.com. Nevertheless, Basketball-Reference lists Dyson at 6-foot-8.
“We do have our similarities and variations,” Sprint stated about his brother. “We each love taking part in protection, getting steals, studying what the offense is doing, having the ability to leap the lanes, and being in the appropriate assist positions.
“And we each get out in transition, get to the midrange floater recreation, and are aggressive getting on the rim. I play slightly bit extra with the ball in my arms, create for teammates, use extra on-ball screens, and beat my defender off of a fast first step.”
Sprint attended the NBA World Academy in Canberra
Moreover, Sprint Daniels spent a number of years with the NBA World Academy in Canberra, gaining expertise with the Australian junior nationwide groups on the FIBA degree and in camps and tournaments all through the U.S.
The Daniels brothers are the sons of American basketball participant Ricky Daniels, who went to varsity at North Carolina State and performed professionally in Australia.
Per Charania’s report, Sprint was closely recruited to play faculty basketball, receiving affords from Florida, Louisville, LSU, and SMU, along with different NBL groups.
“I joined the Subsequent Stars program for a lot of causes, however the primary one being, I will begin my professional journey a 12 months earlier within the NBL than If I used to be to go to varsity, as I wouldn’t be eligible till subsequent 12 months.”
Sprint is a gifted scorer and playmaker. He can play on or off the ball and has a number of versatility on each ends. Much like his brother, the younger standout has a number of room for development.
