Next Star's breakout has NBA experts talking

Dash Daniels is enjoying a massive Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season, after making the off-season switch from Melbourne to South East Melbourne.

Since joining Josh King’s side, the 18-year-old has taken a huge leap and is posting career-highs across the board.

This includes career-best numbers in points (13.2, up from 4.1), field goal percentage (51.7), rebounds (5.1), assists (2.1) and steals (0.9).

This impressive play isn’t going unnoticed either, with CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein vaulting the Bendigo talent back into the first round of his latest 2027 Mock NBA Draft, placing him at number 25.

Another who shares the same optimism about Daniels is DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony.

“Following a quiet rookie campaign with Melbourne United, Daniels has taken a significant step forward since joining South East Melbourne,” Givony said.

“He’s attempting 4.6 threes per game at a 36.6 per cent clip, a notable increase in volume for a player whose offensive aggressiveness and perimeter shooting have historically been major question marks.

“Still two months shy of his 19th birthday, Daniels is playing his way back into the 2027 NBA Draft conversation.

“His positional size, defensive versatility, and improving offensive skill set make him an intriguing prospect to monitor as the NBL season unfolds.”

Daniels’ Phoenix next host Tasmania on Sunday from 3pm AEDT, live on ESPN.