You can harbor many doubts that can convince you that what you are aiming for is not achievable. Dyson Daniels had those same doubts, yet in June he was nominated on the 8e choose in the 2022 NBA draft. That’s right, the New Orleans Pelicans selected the 19-year-old, who hails from the country of Victoria. Not only does Daniels defend at an elite level with his length and tenacity, but his willingness to not only compete but to constantly improve his game is the edge he has on the court.
While Daniels’ future undoubtedly looks bright, his path to the NBA has been rocky at times. It is a story that many young Australian hoopers will find themselves reflected in. He spoke to Complex AU about his journey to the NBA, his childhood in Bendigo, his support and how he is preparing for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
You are from Bendigo, Victoria. You are a real country boy. I heard you mention that you liked being on a farm and doing things in the countryside. What does it mean to you to be a country boy taking on the NBA?
It means a lot – to come from where I come from. There are not many basketball players who get away with it [Bendigo]. When I was young, I spent time at a friend’s farm. We liked to hunt cows and ride motorcycles, stuff like that. We were just real country kids, born and raised there. I’m a country boy through and through. I got my first job there and went to school there. I love being a country kid.
I’m curious, who was the NBA player you grew up modeling your game after?
Russell Westbrook was my favorite player. i just loved [the] mentality he brought to every game. He has a killer mentality; he attacks everyone, he is not afraid of anyone. I also like his mentality in the sense that he is [still] able to defend themselves after a poor performance. I can’t wait to see what he does this year. He was my favorite player growing up, but if we talk about who I [modelled] my match after, I would say probably Tyrese Halliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. I think I have a unique game, but they’re probably guys I’d say I shaped my game after.
A little on the subject from our fellow Aussie, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Josh Giddy. I heard you mention that you were close and even played together at the NBA Global Academy.
Yes, we played [NBA] Global Academy together. We played together in the Victorian Under-12 team, and we played against each other in the NBL1 – he played with the Melbourne Tigers and I was with the Bendigo Braves. We also played in the Victorian Junior Basketball League against each other. So, I mean, our families are close, I’ve known him since I was 10. We grew up together, you know, and took the same path, in a way. I’ve been close to him for a while now. He’s a good guy, and just seeing him succeed is special.
Tell me, what role has Josh Giddy played in helping you prepare for the upcoming season?
Yes, he played a huge role. I mean, especially during the pre-draft process, he was just someone I could talk to. He had been there before, and I was able to talk to him and ask him how it was for him, and get an idea of what to expect and what to prepare for. He’s just someone I could learn from. I was also playing with him in the offseason, so we trained together. He really helped me prepare for the upcoming season.
So you have the opportunity not only to represent Australia on the pitch, but you are also an ambassador for Ksubi, and to represent Australia off the pitch with your style. What does it mean to you to represent Ksubi?
Yeah, it’s super huge, especially because it’s an Australian clothing brand. I loved their stuff when I was growing up, and when I was a kid I always loved fashion. To be one of the 23 Ksubi ambassadors this year is special. Just knowing that Ksubi is there and ready to help me is special, and I’m really excited.
I heard you mention that Pooh Jeter took you under his wing and supported you while you were playing in the G League. How much do you think a player should rely on the advice and support of other players or coaches, rather than adopting an ‘underdog’ mentality and trying to prove that is everyone wrong on their own?
Yes, I think one of the main reasons the G League Ignite team I played for was successful is that there are guys who are veterans. Pooh has been in the game for a long time – he’s played pretty much everywhere – and I’ve been able to learn a lot from him. He’s a great talker and he has a great spirit for the game. He played in the same positions as me, and he really helped me in this G League season when I was struggling. He knew what I had to work on to be able to play [next] level. I probably wouldn’t be [in this position] today if it wasn’t for him. I learned so much from him and the coaching staff at Ignite – those guys were great. I think the G League really helped prepare me for the NBA.
So you are half African American and half Australian. Brother to brother, does it feel special to represent Australia internationally, as an Australian, but also as a black Australian?
Yeah, sure. To be honest, everyone looks at Australia and thinks it’s a white country, but there are a lot of black and colored people in Australia. To be able to represent Australia and represent our black community is really special. I also think of Patty Mills and the way he represents the aboriginal community. I also want to be a role model for black Australians back home. It’s definitely special to me.
I think there are a lot of young players out there who will be able to see themselves in you, and you can help them understand that going to the NBA is possible.
I listened to you talk about your difficult beginnings in the G League. However, fast forward – you are the 8e pick in the NBA draft. What is your advice to young Aussie hoopers when it comes to dealing with doubts?
Yeah, for me, starting in the G League – I was terrible. My first 3 pre-season games, I had more turnovers than points. I had to overcome that start and I knew I had to be better if I wanted to play in this league.
For me and many basketball players, the dream is the NBA. It’s not easy to get there and you’re going to have hiccups. As far as what I did, I was in the gym. I was at the gym early in the morning and I was at the gym late. I was working with coaches on what I needed to work on. If I were to talk to young kids at home, I’d say work doesn’t lie. Some people say they will work, but you don’t have to say it, you just have to do it. The more hours you spend in the gym, the better you will improve. Don’t prove people wrong, prove yourself right.
For me, this difficult start helped me because it showed me the level at which I had to be to play in the league. Once we got going and I found my feet – towards the end of the season – I started playing really well, which helped me qualify for the draft. From that moment on, I never looked back. I know what it takes to play in the league, and I know how hard you have to work.