Alex Toohey, one of the most talented young players in the nation, was signed by the Sydney Kings as a part of the Next Stars program to finish off an incredible to…

Alex Toohey, one of the most talented young players in the nation, was signed by the Sydney Kings as a part of the Next Stars program to finish off an incredible week.

For the NBL24 season, the Sydney Kings are excited to announce the signing of one of the most promising young basketball players in Australia, Alex Toohey. After recently decommitting from Gonzaga University, the 19-year-old, who is presently attending Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence, will join the Hoops Capital club as part of the NBL’s Next Star program. After the unveiling of new head coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah and former NBA player Jonah Bolden, this signing brings the club’s incredible week to a close.

After Didi Louzada and Makur Maker, Toohey will be the club’s third-ever Next Star. “I’m super excited to be joining the Next Stars program and can’t wait to compete at the highest level in Australia and to develop as a player,” Toohey said. “The Next Stars program is a tried-and-true route, but I know it will require a lot of hard work and dedication. “Joining the Sydney Kings means I’ll be a member of a team that wins championships, in my opinion. “Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut, who have both been where I want to go, as well as my teammates, will teach me a lot as I play under coach Mahmoud.

In 2020, Toohey—who was born in Canberra—enrolled at the COE and NBA Global Academy. His impressive showing in the NBL1 East this season with COE, where he averaged 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, is a testament to his tremendous growth over that period. The 6-foot-8 combo forward also made his senior Australian Boomers debut in February 2021—the first of three times—during a FIBA Asia Cup qualifier. Toohey most recently participated in the 2023 Nike Hoops Summit in Portland, Oregon, as a member of the 12-person World Team. Because of this, NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger is aware that Toohey’s signing will undoubtedly cause a lot of enthusiasm inside the league.

“Our Next Stars program is strong and respected, and Alex is poised to be the next big thing in Australian basketball,” stated Loeliger. “His signing is just another indication of that.” “Australian basketball is stronger than ever, and Alex is part of the exciting new generation of players.” “He will immediately make a difference for the Kings on both sides of the court because to his wide skill set. “He is going to further his development as a player and a person in Sydney by joining a highly professional and successful program.”