Dash Daniels, brother of Australian NBA star Dyson, will join Melbourne United next season as part of the NBL's Next Star program.

The deal looms as a major step on the 16-year-old's journey following his brothers footsteps to the NBA, where the elder Daniels plays for the Atlanta Hawks.

"I feel great," Dash Daniels said.

"Signing my first pro contract, it's a dream come true, and I can't wait to get started."

Bendigo product Daniels was a member of the Australian team that made the round of 16 at the U17 World Cup in Turkey earlier this year, leading the tournament in steals per game.

The 6ft6 guard was also named player of the tournament at the U18 Australian national championships this year.

Daniels' signing is the latest boost for the league's Next Stars program, designed to help elite young talents prepare to nominate for the NBA draft.

He and New Zealand Breakers' Karim Lopez are to date the only players confirmed for the 2025/26 edition of program, which counts NBA stars LaMelo Ball, Alexandre Sarr and Josh Giddey among its graduates.

Daniels is set to follow New York Knicks big man Ariel Hukporti as one of only two Next Stars to play for United, the favourites to win the ongoing NBL season.

"It's really exciting to have him join the club," said United coach Dean Vickerman.

"He's really young, but I think his body is certainly ready for the NBL. As a guard that can really defend and live a lot of our qualities, I think he'll be great for us."

Cementing himself as one of the NBA's most elite defenders this season, Hawks guard Dyson Daniels took to social media to congratulate his brother.

"Proud of u lil bro," he wrote on his Instagram story alongside a love heart emoji.