When you share a surname with an NBA guard, comparisons follow. Dash Daniels is making his own mark as a 17-year-old Australian guard in the NBL’s Next Stars program, projected as the No. 40 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.
Born: 18 December 2007 ·
Team: South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL) ·
NBA Draft Projection: 2027, ranked #40 by ESPN ·
Brother: Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks, NBA)
Quick snapshot
- Dash Daniels is an Australian guard in the NBL Next Stars pathway (NBL official profile)
- Born 18 December 2007 (Next Stars program listing)
- Younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (ESPN family context)
- ESPN ranks him No. 40 in the 2027 NBA mock draft (ESPN reporting)
- Exact height and weight are not officially published
- Net worth is not known at this early stage of his career
- Salary details have not been disclosed
- Whether he will ultimately be selected in the NBA draft remains uncertain
- His eventual position in the NBA is still being scouted
- 2007: Born in Bendigo, Australia (Next Stars program)
- 2025/26: Debut NBL season with Melbourne United (ESPN announcement)
- July 2026: Signed with South East Melbourne Phoenix (ESPN)
- 2027: Eligible for NBA Draft (Next Stars program)
- Second NBL season with the Phoenix (2026–27) (NBL Olympic dream feature)
- Continued development in the Next Stars program (NBL Olympic dream feature)
- NBA Draft eligibility in 2027 (NBL Olympic dream feature)
- Potential future alongside brother Dyson for Australia (NBL Olympic dream feature)
Seven verified facts about Dash Daniels, one clear pattern: his professional journey is being built deliberately around the NBL’s Next Stars program rather than the US college route.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dash Daniels |
| Date of Birth | 18 December 2007 |
| Current Team | South East Melbourne Phoenix (NBL) |
| Previous Team | Melbourne United (NBL) |
| NBL Next Star | Yes |
| NBA Draft Projection | 2027, ESPN rank #40 |
| Brother | Dyson Daniels (NBA – Atlanta Hawks) |
Will Dash Daniels make the NBA?
The short answer is that the basketball world expects him to try. ESPN currently ranks Dash Daniels at No. 40 on its 2027 NBA mock draft, placing him firmly in second-round territory. That projection alone tells you scouts see genuine NBA potential.
Dash Daniels faces the same math every Next Stars prospect does: produce in the NBL, show up in pre-draft workouts, and convince a front office that his game translates. The mock-draft ranking gives him a starting point — not a guarantee.
What is Dash Daniels’ NBA draft projection?
- ESPN’s 2027 mock draft lists him at No. 40 overall (ESPN)
- Earlier NBL coverage described him as a projected first-round prospect (NBL feature)
- He is draft-eligible in June 2027 after initially being considered for 2026 (ESPN December 2024 report)
The gap between a first-round mention and a No. 40 projection matters. A second-round pick gets no guaranteed contract, which puts pressure on Daniels to outperform his draft slot. His brother Dyson was drafted No. 8 overall in 2022 — a different tier of prospect entirely.
What is the NBL Next Stars program?
- Designed to give elite prospects a professional pathway to the NBA without US college (Next Stars program)
- Players sign with NBL clubs while maintaining NBA draft eligibility
- Past participants include LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and Dyson Daniels
Dash Daniels chose this route over the NCAA, a decision that aligns with the growing trend of Australian prospects staying home. The program’s track record is strong: three of its alumni were first-round NBA picks between 2020 and 2022.
How did he perform at the Adidas Eurocamp?
- Daniels earned Best Defender honours at the 2026 Adidas Eurocamp (NBL report)
- The camp showcases international prospects to NBA scouts
- Defensive recognition aligns with the scouting profile of his brother Dyson
The pattern: Daniels is building a reputation on defense first, much like his older brother did. That defensive floor raises his draft floor — teams will trust a 6-foot-6 guard who can guard multiple positions.
The implication: His draft stock will hinge on consistent NBL production and pre-draft workouts, not on his surname or early projections.
Is Dash Daniels related to Dyson Daniels?
Yes — and the family connection is one of the most talked-about storylines in Australian basketball right now. Dash is the younger brother of Dyson Daniels, the Atlanta Hawks guard who was himself an NBL Next Star before getting drafted No. 8 overall in 2022 (NBL family reference).
Who is Dash Daniels’ brother?
- Dyson Daniels plays guard for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA
- Dyson was drafted 8th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft
- Both brothers are products of the NBL Next Stars program (ESPN family context)
Who is Dash Daniels’ dad?
- Dash’s father is not publicly known as a basketball figure
- The Daniels family includes 17 siblings, with Dyson and Dash among them (NBL feature)
- Dash has stated he wants to forge his own identity rather than be defined only as Dyson’s brother (NBL)
Which NBA player has 17 siblings?
- The Daniels family is known for its size — 17 siblings total
- Dyson and Dash are the two pursuing professional basketball careers
- Dash has spoken about the competitive environment growing up in a large family
The implication: being “Dyson Daniels’ brother” opens doors — the NBL profile itself leads with the family connection — but Dash is actively working to establish his own reputation. His NBL interview titled “I’m my own man” makes the intent explicit.
The 17-sibling stat gets attention, but it also creates a narrative trap: every article about Dash leads with family size rather than his game. He’ll need to put up numbers that force scouts to talk about his handle, his vision, and his defensive instincts — not just his last name.
The pattern: Dash is leveraging his family name for exposure, but his long-term success depends on establishing his own on-court identity.
Who does Dash Daniels play for?
Dash Daniels currently plays for the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the NBL, having signed with the club in July 2026 for the 2026–27 season (ESPN announcement). This is his second NBL club after beginning his professional career with Melbourne United.
Does Dash Daniels have an NBL contract?
- Yes, he signed with South East Melbourne Phoenix in July 2026 (ESPN)
- He and Melbourne United mutually agreed to part ways ahead of NBL27 (NBL report)
- He made 35 appearances for Melbourne United, including 11 starts (NBL)
- He is on an NBL Next Stars contract, which provides a pathway to the NBA
Who is the highest-paid NBL player?
- Bryce Cotton of the Perth Wildcats is widely reported as one of the highest-paid NBL players, reportedly earning over AUD $1 million per season
- NBL Next Stars players typically earn between AUD $100,000 and $200,000 per season
- Dash Daniels’ exact salary has not been disclosed
Does LaMelo Ball own the Illawarra Hawks?
- Yes, LaMelo Ball is a co-owner of the Illawarra Hawks
- Ball was himself an NBL Next Star before being drafted 3rd overall in 2020
For Dash Daniels, the Phoenix move represents a fresh start after a solid rookie campaign with United. The NBL Next Stars contract structure means he gets professional pay while keeping his NBA draft eligibility intact — the core value proposition of the program.
The Phoenix get a prospect who already has 35 NBL games under his belt, including 11 starts. That’s not a raw rookie — that’s a player who has faced NBL-level physicality and knows what the league demands. For Dash, a second season in the same program means continuity and a clearer path to playing time.
How old is Dash Daniels?
Dash Daniels was born on 18 December 2007, making him 17 years old as of the 2025 calendar year (Next Stars birth date listing). He was described as one of the youngest players ever to sign in the NBL when he joined Melbourne United.
What is Dash Daniels’ height?
- ESPN described him as 6-foot-6 when he signed with Melbourne United in December 2024 (ESPN)
- His exact height is not officially listed on the NBL or Next Stars profiles
- He is believed to be around 6’5″ to 6’6″ — prototypical size for a combo guard
What is Dash Daniels’ net worth?
- Net worth is not publicly known as he is an early-career player
- NBL Next Stars players earn professional but not life-changing salaries
- Significant earnings will depend on NBA draft selection
The uncertainty around basic physical measurements highlights how early Dash is in his scouting journey. At 17, he still has physical development ahead — which is both a risk and an opportunity for NBA teams evaluating him for 2027.
How much does Dash Daniels get paid?
The exact salary for Dash Daniels has not been disclosed, which is normal for NBL Next Stars contracts. However, the program’s typical salary band provides context: Next Stars players generally earn between AUD $100,000 and $200,000 per season (NBL pathway context).
Does Dash Daniels have an NBL Next Stars salary?
- Next Stars players are paid professional salaries, not college stipends
- The program is designed to compete financially with US college offers
- Dash’s exact figure remains private
What is the average NBL salary?
- The average NBL player salary is estimated around AUD $150,000–$200,000
- Star players like Bryce Cotton earn significantly more (reportedly over AUD $1M)
- Next Stars deals are typically at the lower end but include NBA development support
The financial picture for Dash Daniels is straightforward: he’s being paid to develop. The Next Stars program trades immediate high earnings for the long-term payday of an NBA contract.
Timeline
Five key moments that trace Dash Daniels’ journey from Bendigo to the NBL stage.
- 18 December 2007: Birth of Dash Daniels in Bendigo, Australia.
- 2023–2025: Developed in Australian junior programs and briefly with Melbourne United.
- December 2024: ESPN reports Daniels committed to Melbourne United as part of the Next Stars program (ESPN).
- 2025–2026 season: Made 35 appearances (11 starts) for Melbourne United in his debut NBL campaign (NBL).
- July 2026: Signed with South East Melbourne Phoenix for the 2026–27 season (ESPN).
- 2027: Eligible for NBA Draft; projected as a second-round pick.
The timeline shows a rapid rise through the NBL ranks, positioning Dash for an NBA draft bid in 2027.
Confirmed facts
- Dash Daniels is the younger brother of NBA guard Dyson Daniels (NBL)
- He was born on 18 December 2007 (Next Stars)
- He plays for South East Melbourne Phoenix in the NBL (ESPN)
- He is ranked No. 40 on ESPN’s 2027 NBA mock draft
- He made 35 NBL appearances for Melbourne United with 11 starts (NBL)
What’s unclear
- Exact height and weight are not officially published
- Net worth is unknown (early career)
- Salary details have not been disclosed
- Whether he will be selected in the NBA draft is uncertain
- His exact measurements as a 17-year-old may still change
“I’m my own man. I’m not trying to be Dyson. I’m trying to be Dash.”
— Dash Daniels, speaking to the NBL about forging his own identity (NBL feature)
“Dash is a versatile guard with defensive instincts that remind scouts of his brother’s game at the same age.”
— ESPN scouting analysis, cited in 2027 mock draft coverage
For Dash Daniels, the next 18 months will determine whether he joins his brother in the NBA or spends additional seasons developing in the NBL. The projection says second round. The family name gets him attention. But the defensive tape from the Adidas Eurocamp and his 35-game NBL resume are what will actually move draft boards. Dash Daniels must prove he can turn his talent into a guaranteed NBA contract before his 20th birthday.
en.wikipedia.org, nextstars.com.au, sportingnews.com, canberratimes.com.au, nbl.com.au, aapnews.aap.com.au, nbl.com.au
Frequently asked questions
What position does Dash Daniels play?
Dash Daniels is primarily a guard. ESPN described him as a “versatile playmaker” and he projects as a combo guard at the next level.
How many siblings does Dash Daniels have?
Dash comes from a large family of 17 siblings. His brother Dyson Daniels plays for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA (NBL feature).
Where is Dash Daniels from?
Dash Daniels was born in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia on 18 December 2007 (Next Stars).
When is the 2027 NBA Draft?
The 2027 NBA Draft is expected to take place in June 2027. Dash Daniels is currently projected as the No. 40 pick by ESPN.
Does Dash Daniels have an Instagram?
Dash Daniels maintains a social media presence, but specific account details are not verified in official NBL or Next Stars materials.
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Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Wire Hub, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.