JUST months after agreeing to join Gonzaga University for the next NCAAM season, Aussie Alex Toohey has decommitted from the school and is NBL-bound for the 2023/24 fixture.
Toohey has joined the reigning champion Sydney Kings, heading into Australia’s premier basketball league as a Next Star, having already emerged as one of the nation’s brightest prospects moving forward.
The 19-year-old had announced himself as one of the best international prospects thanks to strong performances at both domestic and international level, and looked set to take his talents to the collegiate system after committing to Gonzaga in November.
However, Toohey has had a change of heart, and is staying in the land down under to ply his trade in the NBL, which has steadily become a landing spot for some of the world’s brightest young talent, particularly since the introduction of the Next Star program.
The power forward is the first Australian player to join the Next Star system since Joshua Giddey, who has forged a strong career at NBA level during his short time at the top level. The Kings will be hopeful Toohey has a similar impact during his time with the team.
Toohey brings plenty to the table as a 6’7 frontcourt player, delivering an all-around arsenal which helps him contribute on any team he suits up for. Naturally, he has no problems scoring the ball thanks to his ability to space the floor and knock down a long range shot. He is also a talented playmaker for his size, making him much more versatile and a better fit for the modern game.
Toohey joins the Kings in a bit of a transition period, given coach Chase Buford has departed the team, having been replaced by Mahmoud Abdelfattah. The team also lost star forward Xavier Cooks to the NBA, so a frontcourt spot has opened up for the youngster moving forward.
He has represented Australia at FIBA level in the past, and looked at home against some of the best in the world, and has averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists at NBL1 level during the 2023 season.
The 2023/24 NBL season kicks off on the 28th of September.
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