Several NBA teams sent scouts this week to look at the 2027 draft prospect Dash Daniels at the NBL Blitz, the National Basketball League of Australia’s annual pre-season showcase.
Daniels’ team, the South East Melbourne Phoenix, was one of two teams to go 2-0 during the tournament, with the 18-year-old guard averaging 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 assists in 22.2 minutes per game.
However, Daniels’ former club, Melbourne United, ended up bidding Loggins-Bruton Cup for scoring more points, winning more quarters (Link to Twitter). Former Cavaliers forward Luke Traverswho averaged 18.0 ppg, 9.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg, was named MVP, tweets ESPN’s Olgun Uluk.
Here are some more odds from around the world of basketball:
- Former defenseman for G League Ignite, Mexico Capitanes and Westchester Knicks Dinka Pate there is seeking NCAA eligibility to play for Providence in 2026/27 after signing an Exhibit 10 contract with New York last fall to receive a bonus to play for Westchester. How Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe writes in a subscriber-only story, Pate went the NBAGL route from high school before name, image and likeness deals were implemented in college, is still only 20 years old, has never been in college until now, and reportedly opted out of multiple 10-day and two-way contracts last season with an eye on playing college basketball next season.
- Agent Pate, Sam Permuthbelieves his client has a very strong case to stand trial, according to Washburn. For now, Pate is enjoying his time as a college student while he waits for the NCAA’s decision. “College was one of the main things I missed” Pate told the Globe.”I had to learn to be independent in this grown-up (G League) world with a lot of my teammates (who) were in their 30s and had kids and wives. I am a young person in the team. Now I have a different type of life, me and my teammates relax and talk to each other. That was something I didn’t have. I didn’t go to college at all. I had to adjust to four classes on Monday and a two-hour workout. I feel at home here.”
- Former guard “Hornets”. Amari Bailey has agreed to a long-term contract with Hapael of Jerusalem, it is reported Tomer Givati of Israel Hayom (story in Hebrew). However, Bailey will not suit up for Hapael Jerusalem in the 2026/27 season – instead spending the season on loan at Hapael Be’er Sheva. Bailey, a former second-round pick who played one year in college at UCLA, tried to return in college in 26/27, but decided to continue his career overseas after realizing he had no way back to the NCAA, Givati explains.
