Rising Star Alex Toohey Eyes NBA Glory

Alex Toohey’s basketball journey is one of relentless passion, dedication, and a strong belief in his ability to thrive at the highest level. A standout talent in the NBL's Next Stars program, Toohey has rapidly made a name for himself with the Sydney Kings during the 2024/25 season. The 20-year-old forward, standing at 203 cm, has been pivotal to his team's success, averaging 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in nearly 27 minutes per game. Known for his high basketball IQ, versatility, and improving three-point shooting, Toohey has become a reliable presence on both ends of the court and is poised to take the next step in his career: declaring for the 2025 NBA draft. 

His impressive performances on the court and commitment to his craft have led many experts to push him up the NBA draft boards to a potential first-round pick in the upcoming draft. But beyond his basketball career, Toohey’s ability to balance academics with elite-level sport, particularly as a UNSW student, paints a picture of a young man who has mastered the art of juggling multiple priorities while maintaining his focus on the ultimate goal– to play in the NBA.

Toohey’s passion for sport began long before he picked up a basketball. Growing up in Canberra, he was heavily involved in cricket, a sport most of his family played. “My dad's dream was for me to be a pro cricketer,” Toohey shared during a recent interview. “But I think he's not too sad with the career now,” he adds with a chuckle, referring to his basketball journey.

Toohey was a talented cricketer, and at the age of 13 or 14, he faced a pivotal decision when both basketball and cricket began ramping up in his life. “I was at the point where cricket was starting to take off, and I was also getting called up to basketball camps,” he explains. “But at the same time, I loved playing cricket, and I was still having a lot of fun with it.” Eventually, it was basketball that captured his heart. 

“I think it was around that age when the Australian Junior National basketball team started calling me up, and they said, ‘We recognize you're going to be pretty talented, and we think you’d be great.’ They didn’t offer anything, but they suggested I focus more on basketball,” he recalls. And with that, Toohey’s path was set.

Despite his love for cricket, basketball became Toohey’s primary focus. Today, he’s playing for one of the most prestigious clubs in the NBL— the Sydney Kings— and is on the verge of taking his game to the next level.

After opting for basketball, Toohey quickly made a name for himself in the NBL, with standout performances that have garnered attention from all corners of the basketball world. His decision to pursue the NBL over college basketball in the United States, including a potential scholarship to Gonzaga, was rooted in his desire to challenge himself against grown men in the professional ranks. "It was a shock, obviously, when you get to the first day of summer training and see the bodies you're going against,” he admits. Toohey’s decision to play professionally in Australia rather than heading to college was not just about the on-court experience but also the mental and physical preparation that would come with competing at such a high level. "It’s a big difference, especially when you’re playing against grown men in the NBL," he explains. "But that confidence from training and competing in the US helped me settle into the NBL faster."

Alex’s development has been further shaped by invaluable advice from Josh Giddey, one of Australia's brightest NBA stars. Giddey, known for his incredible vision and playmaking ability with the Chicago Bulls, offered guidance and shared his experiences with Toohey as he also went through the NBL Rising Stars program himself. This mentorship is one of the key factors contributing to Toohey's rapid rise in the NBL and his readiness to take on the next challenge of declaring for the NBA draft.

With his sights now set on the NBA, Toohey’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident. "I'm training every day, working on my shot, getting the right advice from pros like Zach Lavine and Klay Thompson. They’ve shared insights into how they manage their training, and it's amazing to learn from them," Toohey says. Having trained alongside NBA stars in the off-season, the experience was invaluable in his development. “Every shot they take is so precise and watching them in person is incredible. Their baseline, even on a bad day, is just phenomenal – there really are levels to this game”

While Toohey’s basketball career is quickly accelerating, he’s also balancing life as a student at UNSW, a feat that is not easily achieved when you’re at the pinnacle of professional sport. “I chose UNSW because of its flexibility and the range of online courses they offered,” Toohey explains. “Plus, my sister went here I have friends here, which makes it a great fit.”

Toohey is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at UNSW, and he acknowledges the importance of having something outside of basketball to keep his mind engaged. “Last year, with no uni, I found myself focusing solely on basketball, and it became mentally exhausting. I would have a great game and play video games, but after a bad game, it was tough to cope with the pressure. Having uni to focus on this year has been a big help,” he says. Alex now uses golf and free-diving to unwind on rest days, with ex-Australian basketballer and Sydney Kings part owner Luc Longley introducing him to the adventure sport of free-diving to help take his mind off basketball. Choosing a Bachelor of Arts, he hopes to potentially focus on psychology, specifically sports psychology as he recognises the mental aspect of professional sport - "Going through struggles last year really sparked my interest in psychology, especially sports psychology. I find the conversations with players about their struggles and how they've worked through them to be fascinating. It’s something I hope to explore more in the future and possibly help younger players as I gain more experience in the game."

The UNSW Elite Athlete Program has been crucial in supporting Toohey as he balances his sporting and academic commitments. “Helen and the team at UNSW have been incredible. They make sure I'm on track with my studies and offer flexibility when I need it. It’s a massive help when you're traveling or have a tight schedule,” Toohey shares.

As Toohey continues to develop, the NBA draft looms large on the horizon. His physicality, combined with his basketball IQ and relentless work ethic, makes him a serious prospect for NBA teams. “The NBA draft is definitely on my mind, but I know it’s a process. I’m focused on getting better every day and making sure I’m ready when the time comes,” Toohey says with conviction.

One of the key reasons Toohey’s stocks continues to rise is his well-rounded approach to the game, blending elite-level skills with a strong mental framework. "It’s about trusting your training and your preparation. Once you get that, you can react freely on the court instead of overthinking," Toohey explains.

It’s this confidence, combined with his commitment to improving every aspect of his game, that sets Toohey apart from his peers. Whether he’s facing seasoned pros in the NBL or working alongside NBA players, Toohey is proving that his ambition knows no bounds. "I’ve always loved basketball, and now I want to prove that I can play at the highest level. The NBA is the ultimate goal, and I’m ready to take that next step," he says, ready for whatever challenge comes next.

Alex Toohey is a name that basketball fans will be hearing a lot more of in the coming years. His rise in the NBL, paired with his potential for declaring for the NBA draft, signals the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career. Whether on the court with the Sydney Kings or in the classroom at UNSW, Toohey’s journey is just beginning—and we can’t wait see what’s next for this talented young man. UNSW will be paying close attention to those NBA draft boards on June 25, 2025.