Scouts Watch Dash Daniels at NBL Blitz; Luke Travers Wins
NBA scouts attended the NBL Blitz to watch 2027 draft prospect Dash Daniels. Luke Travers was named MVP as Melbourne United won the preseason tournament, while other news covers Dink Pate's NCAA eligibility bid and Amari Bailey's move to Israel.
Several NBA teams dispatched scouts to Australia this week to evaluate 2027 draft prospect Dash Daniels at the NBL Blitz. The event is the National Basketball League's annual preseason shows.
Daniels, an 18-year-old guard for the South East Melbourne Phoenix, averaged 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 2.0 assists in 22.2 minutes per game. His team was one of two squads to finish the Blitz with a perfect 2-0 record.
NBL Blitz Results and MVP
Melbourne United, however, claimed the tournament's Loggins-Bruton Cup. They earned more points by winning more quarters throughout the event. Former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luke Travers was named the Blitz's Most Valuable Player. ESPN's Olgun Uluc reported on Twitter that Travers averaged 18.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during the shows.
Dink Pate Seeks NCAA Eligibility
Former G League Ignite guard Dink Pate is pursuing NCAA eligibility to play for Providence College in the 2026/27 season. Pate signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the New York Knicks last fall. That deal was designed to provide a bonus for playing with their G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.
Pate entered the G League directly from high school, before name, image, and likeness deals were available for college athletes. He is now 20 years old and had never attended college until this point. Washburn's report states that Pate reportedly declined multiple 10-day and two-way NBA contract offers last season. His goal was to play college basketball in the upcoming season.
Pate's agent, Sam Permut, told The Boston Globe that he believes his client has a strong case for being granted eligibility by the NCAA. For now, Pate is waiting for that decision while adjusting to student life. "College was one of the main things I was missing," Pate told the newspaper. He described the contrast between the professional G League environment and his new college routine, noting he now has four classes on a Monday followed by a two-hour practice.
Amari Bailey Heads to Israel
Former Charlotte Hornets guard Amari Bailey has agreed to a multiyear contract with Israeli club Hapoel Jerusalem. The report comes from Tomer Givati of Israel Hayom. However, Bailey will not play for Jerusalem in the 2026/27 season. He will instead spend the year on loan with another Israeli team, Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
Bailey, a former UCLA player and second-round NBA draft pick, had attempted to return to college basketball for the 2026/27 season. According to Givati's explanation, Bailey decided to continue his career overseas after becoming convinced he had no viable path back to the NCAA.
