Dyson Daniels, an Australian professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, grew up in an athletic household with his two brothers, Kai and Dash Daniels.
They followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued a career in basketball.
Highlights
- Kai Daniels won multiple MVPs and a National Championship, which set the foundation for his brothers’ basketball careers.
- Dash is a top 2026 NBA draft prospect who joined Melbourne United’s NBL Next Stars program.
- Ricky Daniels, a former SEABL MVP, shaped their athletic journey.
Dyson began playing basketball at the age of 7 at Bendigo South East College. During the 2019 season, he joined the Bendigo Braves of the NBL1.
Later, he attended the NBA Global Academy, a training center at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, and helped Victoria win a silver medal at the 2021 Australian Under-20 Championships.
Despite offers from several college programs and the National Basketball League Next Stars program, Dyson signed with the NBA G League Ignite on June 21, 2021.
He helped his team win the Rising Stars Challenge at the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend and declared for the 2022 NBA draft on April 16, 2022.
New Orleans Pelicans selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, and he joined the Pelicans’ 2022 NBA Summer League roster.
On July 6, 2024, Dyson was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he became the first player since Alvin Robertson to record at least six steals in four consecutive NBA games.
Likewise, he became the first player since Michael Jordan in the 1989–90 season to record 15-plus points and five-plus steals in four consecutive NBA games.
On April 30, 2025, he became the first Australian to win the NBA Most Improved Player Award.
If you look at the big men in the NBA today, usually the past few years, it’s been a big man in that conversation who protects the rim and gets blocks.
Dyson Daniels
I think I do a little bit of everything on the floor. I protect the rim as a guard. I get steals. I defend well one-on-one and contest shots.
Dyson Daniels Comes From A Family Deeply Rooted In Sports
Dyson Daniels’s parents, Brikitta Kool and Ricky Daniels, have both made significant contributions to basketball. They shaped their children’s careers through their own experiences and successes.
Ricky played college basketball for the NC State Wolfpack before taking his talents overseas.
He found great success in Australia, particularly in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) with the Bendigo Braves. He was named SEABL MVP twice and led the Braves to multiple championships.
Ricky was one of the league’s greatest players, and his team retired his jersey in his honor. Later, he transitioned into coaching.
Meanwhile, Brikitta Kool has been a steadfast supporter of both her husband’s and son’s careers. Her encouragement and guidance have played a crucial role in her children’s development as players.
Brikitta Kool and Ricky Daniels have three athletic children: Kai, Dyson, and Dash Daniels.
Kai Daniels Is the Eldest Brother
Kai Daniels made a name for himself as a standout basketball player with an impressive resume.
He attended Bendigo Secondary College, where he averaged a career-high 21 points per game. His accolades speak volumes about his impact on the game.
Daniels was named his team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice and earned MVP honors for his club team four times.
He also represented his team at the state tournament on three occasions, showcasing his talent at the highest levels of competition. The most successful point of his young career came when he won a National Championship.
At the collegiate level, Daniels made an immediate impact in his freshman debut with the Rangers, appearing in all 16 games and even earning six starts.
Moreover, he proudly represented his home state of Victoria, helping his team reach the Bronze Medal game.
Dash Daniels Will Be Draft Eligible In 2026
The basketball world is buzzing about Dash Daniels, one of the top international prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft class.
He has officially chosen to join Melbourne United as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program.
The 6-foot-6 playmaker had multiple options on the table, including offers from Perth Wildcats and NCAA programs. After careful consideration with his father, he opted to stay in Australia and develop his game in Melbourne.
I am joining one of the toughest leagues in the world. Playing against grown men at a young age will only help me develop. The Next Stars Program has proven to help lots of young stars achieve their dream of playing in the NBA, which is mine also.
Dash Daniels
The Next Stars program has become a proven pathway to the NBA, producing lottery picks like Josh Giddey, LaMelo Ball, and Ousmane Dieng.
Dash’s decision to join Melbourne United suggests he’s ready to showcase his skills against professional competition before making the jump to the NBA.
Additional Information
- Dyson James Daniels, the son of Brikitta Kool and Ricky Daniels, was born on March 17, 2003, in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
- He was a talented Australian rules footballer in his younger years and represented his home state of Victoria at several national football championships.
- He stands 2.01 meters tall and weighs approximately 90 kilograms.
