Alex Toohey: A Rising Star with Room to Grow

By Maya Rodriguez August 27, 2024154 views

Alex Toohey, standing at 6-foot-7 and playing as a wing in NBL Next Star, possesses the desired size and abilities that scouts are looking for. He influences games by playing aggressively on the boards and defending without committing fouls due to his strong physicality. He has an exceptional basketball intelligence, enabling him to anticipate plays, locate open areas, and grab rebounds and loose balls with instinct and comprehension.

A Promising Start, but a Slippery Slope

Toohey displayed potential while playing for the Sydney Kings at the beginning of the previous season. His stats for each game were an average of 10.64 points, 4.36 rebounds, and 0.93 assists, with shooting percentages of 44% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 70% from the free-throw line. His 82-inch wingspan and intelligent playing style positioned him as a possible second-round NBA prospect, blending size, shooting abilities, and promising potential.

Nevertheless, his shooting performance declined as the season went on. His 3-point shooting accuracy decreased from 38% to 27%, causing a decline in his value in the draft. Toohey finished the season with an average of 8.34 points per game and witnessed his name drop from mock drafts. As a result, he decided to pull out of the 2024 NBA Draft and opt to play another season with the Sydney Kings.

A Second Chance to Impress

Now, Toohey can take advantage of a great opportunity to improve his chances in the draft. This season, he is set to team up with ex-NBL MVP Xavier Cooks. A partnership that has the potential to boost both the Kings and Toohey’s playing. Toohey can show that his strong performance at the beginning of the season was not a one-time occurrence by showing that he is a reliable shooter.

Toohey, who is only 20 years old, has the advantage of having plenty of time ahead of him. Should he enhance his shooting skills and continue to play aggressively with high intelligence. He could potentially re-enter discussions about playing in the NBA, and even be considered for the first round. Toohey’s upcoming season is pivotal for showcasing his potential and quieting the skeptics.