Sydney sign exciting prospect Toohey to NBL Next Stars contract

The Sydney Kings are thrilled to announce the signing of Alex Toohey, one of the most promising young Australian basketball stars for the NBL24 season.

The 19-year-old, who is currently at Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence, will join the Hoops Capital club as part of the NBL's Next Star program - after recently de-committing from Gonzaga University.

This signing caps a massive week for the club, following the announcement of former NBA player Jonah Bolden and new head coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah.

"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," said Toohey, who will become the club's third-ever Next Star, following in the footsteps of Didi Louzada and Makur Maker.

"I know it will take a lot of hard work and commitment but the Next Stars program is a proven path.

"For me joining the Sydney Kings means I will be part of a championship-winning team.

"I am excited to play under coach Mahmoud and learn from my teammates, as well as Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut - who have both been where I am aiming to go.

"I'm also thrilled to play in front of the awesome Sydney Kings fans."

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Born in Canberra, Toohey joined the COE and NBA Global Academy in 2020.

His progression during that time has been immense, highlighted by his strong play in the NBL1 East competition this season with COE, averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest.

During that time, the 6-foot-8 combo forward also made his senior Australian Boomers debut in February 2021 during a FIBA Asia Cup qualifier - the first of three occasions.

Most recently, Toohey was part of the 12-person World Team that competed at the 2023 Nike Hoops Summit in Portland, Oregon.

As such, NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger knows Toohey’s signing is sure to garner great excitement around the league.

“Alex is poised to be the next big thing in Australian basketball and his signing is another indication of how strong and respected our Next Stars program is,” Loeliger said.

“Basketball has never been stronger in Australia, and Alex represents the next wave of exciting talent coming through.

"He possesses a versatile skill set and will be an instant difference maker on both ends of the floor for the Kings.

"He joins a highly professional and successful program in Sydney where he is sure to advance his development both as a player and a person.” 

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Kings CEO Chris Pongrass is stoked to add Toohey to head coach Abdelfattah's exciting roster for NBL24, alongside Jonah Bolden, DJ Hogg, Shaun Bruce, Dejan Vasiljevic, Angus Glover, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Jordi Hunter, Makuach Maluach, Jackson Makoi and Klairus Amir.    

“Alex is an elite young talent and is someone we have been recruiting for a while," Pongrass said.

“There is a collective focus to continue developing Alex’s game, allowing him the best opportunity to achieve his NBA aspirations – at the same time, we feel he will have an immediate impact on the court."

“We are intentional in our signings, and Alex fills a lot of needs for us – we strongly believe he will contribute to winning.

“This is the best next step for Alex in his young career - the Next Stars program has a proven track record of developing young athletes into the NBA, and he joins an esteemed crop of Next Stars for  NBL24.

“We are thrilled to have the Toohey’s join the Kings family – and are thankful to Kath and Mick for how trusting they have been through this process."

Stay up to date with all the club’s off-season news here.