NBL Next Star signs in NBL1 South

NBL Next Star Dash Daniels has signed with the Sandringham Sabres for the 2025 NBL1 South season. 

Sandringham has become a breeding ground for Melbourne United talent over the years, with assistant coach and former player David Barlow head coaching the men’s program, while a number of United players fill out the Sabres’ roster – including Tom Koppens and Campbell Blogg (injured).

The 17-year-old is the youngest player to ever sign in the NBL’s Next Stars program, and is projected to be a top prospect. He will use NBL1 as another developmental stepping-stone, learning in a United-like ecosystem at Sandringham to prepare him for NBL26.

After participating in the Nike Hoops Summit in America, Daniels will return to Victoria and suit up for the rest of the Sabres’ season. 

“The reason for this is really to just get some more running into my legs. I haven't played a proper game in a while, so it'll be good to get some games into me,” he said. 

“We've got Dave Barlow, who I'm pretty close with at Melbourne United, and he's been really good to me so far. Just to get on board with him will be great, I can't wait to get started.”

Following in the pathways of Josh Giddey, Alex Toohey and Rocco Zikarsky, Daniels will become the fourth Next Star to play in both the NBL1 and NBL. Daniels played for the Centre of Excellence last season, playing 10 games and averaging five points per game. 

However, like his NBA star brother Dyson, he will play for a club rather than the Centre of Excellence again. 

“It's a great pathway. It's another one of those leagues that is very talented, it's got some great players in it. It can help you get to the next level,” he said.

“And that's what I'm trying to do right now, just go on to NBL1 and try and find my groove with the team and do as best I can, and then go into the NBL season confident.”

Sandringham’s next game will be against the Mount Gambier Pioneers tonight, streaming live from 6:00pm ACST via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.