Australian basketball's 'next big thing' Dash Daniels has given another glimpse of his undoubted potential and caught the eye of NBA superstar Zion Williamson in the process.
Daniels shone under a huge spotlight for Melbourne United in their historic exhibition clash with the New Orleans Pelicans at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night.
The 17-year-old is a possible top-10 draft pick next year and improved his prospects with 11 points, six rebounds and one steal in his first taste of action against NBA opposition.
But he couldn't prevent United suffering a 107-97 defeat in a hard-fought contest.
"He was a very active defender and definitely made some offensive plays that I liked from him," Pelicans power forward Williamson said post-game.
"I told him, 'I better see you in the NBA real soon'."
New Orleans coach Willie Green was reminded of Daniels' older brother Dyson Daniels, who started his NBA career with the Pelicans and was named the league's most improved player with Atlanta last season.
"His defensive instincts are very similar to his brother," Green said.
"He picks up full court, he's got long arms, he's got great size, he's physical and he caused some havoc for us defensively.
"He's a really good player."
Daniels relished the chance to test his wares against NBA opposition and looked at home at the level, committing just one turnover as he was trusted by Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman to close out the game.
All this despite having played just three previous outings as a professional with United under the NBL Next Stars program this season.
"That's the ultimate goal, to try to get to the NBA hopefully in the next couple of years," Daniels said.
"To be able to have this opportunity to play against the Pelicans and them coming out to Australia is awesome, not only for me but the whole of Australia as well.
"It's just a great experience and I get to see what they're like and showcase my talents as well.
"The three-point line's a little further back and the ball's a little different and all that, but it's good to change the scenario.
"Me being aggressive and helping the team out on the defensive end ... I thought that's what I did pretty good."
Despite Daniels' efforts, Melbourne couldn't cause what would have been a massive upset in the first appearance by an NBA team in Australia.
United cut a double-figure deficit back to four points with more than four minutes left but couldn't complete the comeback with guards Shea Ili (hamstring) and Tyson Walker (thumb) sidelined.
NBA teams have now won 24 of 25 pre-season games against NBL clubs since the "NBAxNBL" series was introduced in 2017.
The only outlier was in 2022, when the Adelaide 36ers stunned the Phoenix Suns.
New Orleans will face NBL opposition again on Sunday when they take on South East Melbourne Phoenix at Rod Laver Arena.
Williamson had 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals in 16 minutes on court against United and is eager for more court time against the Phoenix.
"Hopefully they give me more minutes," he said.
"Pre-season, I usually go through the same kind of routine and I can't help but be really excited to get more minutes just to play in front of these fans."
