One of the brightest young stars in Australian basketball will join the Hungry Jack’s NBL, with Alex Toohey signing with the Sydney Kings as a Next Star.

The 19-year-old is a major coup for the League, and will look to follow in the footsteps of Josh Giddey, who used the elite pathway program to elevate himself into the NBA.

Toohey had committed to college basketball powerhouse Gonzaga, but decommitted to join the Kings. 

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

"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. Also thrilled to play in front of the awesome Sydney Kings fans."

Toohey has been developing at the NBA Global Academy and Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Canberra since 2020, while also representing the COE in NBL1 East.

The 6-foot-8 combo forward is averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists, cementing himself as one of the nation’s hottest young prospects. 

Toohey has already represented the Australian Boomers on three occasions: in February 2021 during FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying games, and August 2022 and February 2023, during FIBA World Cup Qualifying games. 

Toohey’s signing is sure to garner great excitement according to NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger.

“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,” he said.

“Basketball has never been stronger in Australia, and Alex represents the next wave of exciting talent coming through. He possesses a versatile skillset 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.” 

Toohey will be under the guidance of new Sydney coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah, as the Kings aim for a three-peat this season.

“Alex is an elite young talent and is someone we have been recruiting for a while," Sydney Kings CEO Chris 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."

Toohey is the sixth Next Star signing and joins Bobi Klintman (Cairns Taipans), AJ Johnson (Illawarra Hawks), Ariel Hukporti (Melbourne United), Mantas Rubstavicius (New Zealand Breakers) and Alexandre Sarr (Perth Wildcats).

Sydney’s season begins on Saturday, September 30, against Illawarra.