Dash Daniels is set to become the youngest Boomer since Ben Simmons.
The 6'6 point guard from Bendigo is rapidly emerging as one of the country's most developed young players.
After standout performances in the NBL1 with the Sandringham Sabres and a strong showing at the FIBA U19 World Cup, Daniels is now preparing for his national team debut with the Boomers, who are aiming for a fourth straight Asia Cup title.
Dash Daniels, the younger brother of Dyson, became just the fifth 17-year-old to play for the Australian Boomers in international competition🇦🇺🏀🦘
He is now the fourth youngest ever, behind Ben Simmons (2013), Josh Giddey (2020) & Rocco Zikarsky (2024).#AussieHoops #GoBoomers pic.twitter.com/JO1pekcLZG— The Pick and Roll 🇦🇺🏀 (@PickandRollAU) July 31, 2025
His decision to join the NBL Next Stars program and sign with Melbourne United for NBL26 marks him as the league's most high-profile young talent since Alex Sarr, who was drafted No. 2 overall by the Washington Wizards in 2024.
With NBA scouts closely watching his development, Daniels is making a name for himself, which is no small feat given the accomplishments of his brother.
Dyson Daniels, the Atlanta Hawks guard who won the NBA's Most Improved Player award last season, has set a high bar for the family name, and Dash is drawing similar plaudits on defence. Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman didn't hold back, calling him “potentially one of the most elite defenders in the world”.
And there's substance behind that claim. At the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, Daniels averaged 3.6 steals per game, dominating on the defensive end.
On top of that, his two-way impact, elite vision, tight handles, and the ability to control the floor have made him a hot commodity.
Now, as he joins the youngest Boomers squad in recent memory, alongside names like Reyne Smith, Owen Foxwell, and Ben Henshall, anticipation is high for the Boomers' bid for a fourth straight Asia Cup crown.
The 2025 FIBA Asia Cup tips off on August 5 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Australia chasing its fourth consecutive title on the global stage.
