Daniels shining at National Championships

Melbourne United Next Star Dash Daniels has been huge for an undefeated Victoria team across the first three days of the Basketball Australia Under 20 National Championships in Ballarat.

Across four games, Daniels is averaging 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2 steals per game, all while shooting the ball at over 46% from beyond the arc.

Head Coach Dean Vickerman made the trip to Ballarat to watch Daniels play and was impressed with the confidence he displayed on the court.

“All the things that we know about him were on show,” Vickerman said.

“Defending at a really high level, challenging ball handlers, getting deflections, and then helping his teammates by digging down, I got to see all of that. 

“On the offensive end, we wanted him to shoot the basketball with confidence, and he looked really comfortable. He made a few from the outside and then showed strength getting to the free throw line.

“As a bottom age guy playing Under 20s, you can see that the time in our gym going against big bodies has helped him feel comfortable on whatever court he’s playing on.”

Boasting a perfect 4-0 record, Daniels and Victoria will play in the Quarter Finals tonight from 7pm against New South Wales.