Updated July 17, 2026 — 11:34am,first published July 15, 2026 — 9:00amEmerging basketball star Dash Daniels says South East Melbourne Phoenix’s uptempo style will be the perfect fit, after the athletic guard defected to the cross-town rival.Daniels, 18, and Melbourne United mutually parted ways this week.Emerging NBL star Dash Daniels has opted to leave Melbourne United.Getty ImagesThe NBL Next Star said he was ready to embrace Phoenix coach Josh King’s full-court defensive mindset.“I’ve seen first hand how the Phoenix play, and it’s a style that I’m excited to be involved with - the focus on defence and picking up 94 feet is something I’m looking forward to,” Daniels said.“They’ve got great facilities, great coaches, and I’ve played with a few of the guys during my time with the Boomers, so I’m keen to get started in the ‘Heartland’.”King, who guided the Phoenix into the semi-finals last season before losing 2-1 to the Adelaide 36ers, said Daniels would boost the team’s backcourt options.“We’re thrilled to have Dash cross over to us, and we see real value in him as not only a player, but a person too,” King said.“He can play on both sides of the ball, defends extremely well and shows great maturity on court at such a young age. We’re excited to get started.”Daniels, the brother of NBA guard Dyson Daniels, also hopes to play in the world’s best basketball league. He pulled out of this year’s NBA draft, but has plans to enter next year, provided his season with the Phoenix goes well.He can expect to be used more at both ends of the floor under King, the recruiting coup adding more spice to an already fiery cross-town rivalry with United.Dash Daniels has switched to South-East Melbourne Phoenix. Getty ImagesIn a mixed 2025-26 campaign complete with growing pains, Daniels had 11 starts in 35 games. He averaged only 4.2 points per game, but had 14 points against the New Zealand Breakers in round one, and nine points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals against the Phoenix in round two.Daniels replaces Trinidadian forward Malique Lewis, taken by the Washington Wizards with pick No.60 in this NBA draft, as the Phoenix’s Next Star.The Phoenix open their pre-season on August 6 when they host a Japanese B. League team at the State Basketball Centre. There is also a practice match against United on August 22.Earlier this week Daniels said he had nothing but respect for United. “It’s a highly professional organisation from top to bottom, and I’ve valued every part of my journey with the club,” he said.“I’m excited for what’s ahead, but I’ll always look back on my time with Melbourne United with amazing memories and true appreciation.”ESPN has Daniels slated as the No.40 pick in next year’s NBA draft – should he enter.Liam Santamaria, the NBL’s general manager of Next Star recruitment, thanked United for supporting Daniels’ development. “Dash has grown significantly during his time with Melbourne and, thanks largely to that great work, I’m confident he is well-placed for a strong second season as a Next Star.”Dash Daniels represented the Boomers at last year’s FIBA Asia Cup.Getty ImagesDaniels had 11 starts in 35 games last season. While he averaged only 4.2 points per game, he had a 14-point outing against the New Zealand Breakers in round one, and nine points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals against the Phoenix in round two.An elite defensive hound, much like Dyson who has been dubbed “The Great Barrier Thief” by US commentators, Dash became more of a rotation player as United’s season progressed, and still has much work to do on his shooting technique.The addition of NBA veteran Joe Ingles meant Daniels’ minutes could have been squeezed next season under new United coach Jacob Chance.United chief executive Nick Truelson said the club enjoyed working with Daniels.“Dash’s time with United was the result of a fantastic commitment from the club and the Daniels family across multiple years to best prepare the guard for his ultimate goal of making it to the NBA,” Truelson said.“Dash regularly showcased his growing skill set at both ends of the floor, which is a testament to his readiness to contribute at the senior level, and the strength of the Next Star program.”Chance is at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, looking to lure two perimeter players and a big man to finalise United’s roster.Former NBA centre Jesse Edwards could return, having averaged 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game last season.Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.From our partners