Bendigo Basketball product Dyson Daniels has been selected to compete in the rising stars tournament at the NBA All-Star weekend in Cleveland later this month.
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The 18-year-old is one of 28 players (12 rookies, 12 sophomores and four G-League Unite players) who have made the cut for the squad.
The rising star format will see the players compete in mini-tournament that consists of four seven-man teams that will be coached by members of the NBA and G League.
Daniels has been tipped to be a top pick in the 2022 NBA draft after a stellar international junior career and most recently with Unite in the G League - averaging 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
Bendigo Stadium Limited general manager of sport Ben Harvey said Daniels' selection was testament to the endless years of hard work.
"Honestly, what an achievement," Harvey said.
"This is the next step in Dysons' career which no doubt will see him rise to the top.
"His proud parents Brikitta and Braves legend Ricky have been so supportive of Dyson and have helped guide him on the elite pathway to where he is now.
"Each and every person at Bendigo Basketball couldn't be prouder of what Dyson has and will accomplish in the future."
Brikitta Daniels said the whole family couldn't be more excited for Dyson's appointment to the Rising Star team.
"This is huge," Brikitta said.
"Everything is going really well for Dyson over in the United States.
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"He has worked so hard for this in so many ways - not just on the court but he's a great person, team player and a proud Australian who loves to represent his country."
Now that Dyson has secured a spot on the rising star squad, the next goal to tick off the list will come later this year in June at the 2022 NBA Draft.
"We feel he has done the hard work to place himself in a good position, but of course he would be happy to picked up by any NBA team and live out his dream," Brikitta said.
Fellow Victorian Josh Giddey was also named on the squad after a strong debut rookie season in the NBA with the Oklahoma Thunder - averaging 11.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.
The appointment for Daniels and Giddey means they now join their fellow countryman Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum, Andrew Bogut, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons as the only Australians to be selected for the rising star squad.
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