"One of the best in the world": What makes Dash special

Photos: Melbourne United Media.

He’s yet to suit up in the NBL and is only 17, but Melbourne United may have something special in Dash Daniels.

The Next Star is representing Australia at the Under-19 FIBA World Cup, which tipped off early on Sunday morning, and he’s already turning heads among NBA Draft experts.

“Dash is one of the best defenders in the world for his age. He’s absolutely elite,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said on the Aussie Hoops Hour podcast.

“He looks like he’s still growing too … there’s so much talent there. I’m really excited to get another look at him in a couple of weeks in Switzerland.”

Daniels averaged 19.2 points during his stint in NBL1 with the Sandringham Sabres earlier this month and is preparing for his first season in the Hungry Jack’s NBL with United.

He’s currently projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

“I want to see him be aggressive ... there’s so much ability there, and he’s so unselfish, but sometimes you want to see him be a little bit more of a motherf*****," Givony added.

“Just go into contact, smash into somebody, go throw one down on somebody. I want to see him just dunk on somebody, because he’s so athletic I know he can do it.”

All games from the Under-19 FIBA Wrld Cup will be streamed live via the FIBA YouTube channel.