Such is the burgeoning level of the NBL, there seem to be playing and training connections between players in our domestic competition, and those in the NBA.

From Boomers stars Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Jack White and Jock Landale training with Melbourne United earlier this week, to David Okwera being part of Victor Wembanyama’s draft camp, the Australian game is constantly being held under an NBA microscope.

Enter a new, previously unseen connection. NBL Next Star Alex Toohey, and two-time NBA All-Star Zach LaVine.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Alex Toohey x Zach LaVine @ <a href="https://twitter.com/JLawbball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JLawbball</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Ph6EXbGQAY">pic.twitter.com/Ph6EXbGQAY</a></p>&mdash; Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlgunUluc/status/1682140232156848130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Toohey and LaVine were filmed training together under experienced and noted basketball trainer Jordan Lawley.

The clips show the pair working on both contested layups and mid-range jumpshots off the dribble, while Toohey also spent time defending the Chicago guard,  working to improve his ability to stick with his man through screens.

Toohey is yet to take his first steps in the professional game, but has established himself as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging talents through his time not only at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, but also as part of the Australian Boomers’ camp during World Cup qualifying.

He’s one of a handful of high-profile signings the Kings have made heading into NBL24, alongside fellow Australian international Jonah Bolden, former Cairns Taipan DJ Hogg, and former league MVP Jaylen Adams.