Alex Toohey: Australia’s Rising Star at Small Forward Position

Alex Toohey is quickly becoming a name to watch in international basketball circles. The 20-year-old Australian forward currently plays for the Sydney Kings in the NBL. At 6’8″ and 223 pounds, Toohey presents an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft with his combination of shooting ability, defensive intensity, and basketball IQ placing him as a potential first-round selection.

Toohey’s path has been somewhat unconventional. After initially committing to Gonzaga University in 2022, he changed course and returned to Australia to develop his game professionally. Born on May 4, 2004, the Sydney Kings forward will be 21 years old at draft time, offering teams a slightly more mature prospect who’s already tested against professional competition.

What makes Toohey particularly appealing is his well-rounded game. Scouts describe him as a jack-of-all-trades who brings defensive tenacity and playmaking ability to the floor. He’s currently projected as the 47th pick to Cleveland in mock drafts, but his stock could rise with strong performances leading up to the draft. His combination of athleticism, basketball intelligence, and shooting ability makes him a prospect worth monitoring closely.

Profile of Alex Toohey

Alex Toohey represents one of Australia’s emerging basketball talents who has made significant strides in his young career. His journey from Canberra to professional basketball showcases his dedication and skill development.

Early Life and Background

Born on May 5, 2004, in Canberra, Australia, Alex Toohey grew up in a family deeply connected to basketball. His formative years were spent developing his skills in the Australian capital before taking a significant step forward in 2020. That year, Toohey joined the Centre of Excellence and NBA Global Academy, institutions known for cultivating elite basketball talent.

The 6’8″ forward’s early training provided him with a solid foundation. His time at these development programs helped him build not just physical abilities but also basketball IQ and technical skills.

These formative experiences in Australia’s development pipeline shaped Toohey into a versatile player with international potential.

Rise in Basketball Career

Toohey’s professional journey took flight when he joined the Sydney Kings in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). At 20 years old, he’s established himself as a promising shooter with impressive athleticism.

The young forward is now considered a legitimate NBA prospect, currently projected as the 47th pick to Cleveland in mock drafts for 2025. His draft stock reflects his development as a combo forward with multiple skills.

Key Attributes:

• High basketball IQ
• Floor-stretching ability
• Passing vision
• Versatile stat production

At 6’8″ and 223 pounds, Toohey brings good size for his position. Scouts praise him as a high-skill player who contributes across statistical categories. His ability to shoot from distance, make smart passes, and understand game flow makes him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams seeking forwards with modern skillsets.

Road to Professional Basketball

Alex Toohey’s journey to professional basketball has been marked by dedication, skill development, and strategic career moves that positioned him for the 2025 NBA Draft. His path took him from Australian youth basketball to the professional ranks in the NBL.

High School Achievements

Toohey established himself as one of Australia’s premier basketball prospects during his high school years in Canberra. The forward showcased his versatility early, standing out in national youth competitions with his combination of size, athleticism, and court vision.

His performances for the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence caught the attention of scouts both in Australia and abroad. Toohey represented Australia in international youth tournaments, demonstrating poise beyond his years against global competition.

By his final year of high school, he had developed into a genuine NBA prospect with his jack-of-all-trades skill set. His defensive intensity and playmaking ability became hallmarks of his game, traits that would serve him well as he progressed to higher levels.

College Basketball Experience

Unlike many Australian prospects who head straight to American universities, Toohey opted for a different development path. Instead of the college basketball route in the United States, he chose to pursue professional experience in Australia’s National Basketball League.

Toohey joined the Sydney Kings as part of the NBL Next Stars program, designed to develop NBA-caliber talent. This program has previously launched the careers of LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and other NBA players.

His decision to stay in Australia allowed him to develop against seasoned professionals rather than college players. During his time with the Kings, Toohey refined his game while facing tougher competition and adjusting to the professional lifestyle.

The 20-year-old shooter and terrific athlete continued to improve his basketball IQ and physical tools during his two seasons in the NBL, showing steady growth in his production.

Draft Prospects and Evaluation

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Toohey has officially declared his eligibility after two seasons with the Sydney Kings. Scouts describe him as a “jack-of-all-trades Australian forward who grinds on defense and loves to dish the ball around.”

Draft analysts highlight his defensive versatility, passing ability, and basketball IQ as his primary strengths. Born on May 5, 2004, Toohey brings youth and upside to the draft, with room to develop further.

2025 NBA Draft Projection:

Aspect	Evaluation
Projected Range	Late First to Early Second Round
Strengths	Defensive versatility, playmaking, basketball IQ
Areas for Growth	Consistent shooting, offensive creation
NBA Comparison	Joe Ingles with more athleticism

His performance in pre-draft workouts will be crucial for his final draft position, though his proven production against professional competition in the NBL gives him an advantage over some college prospects.

Technical Skills and Playstyle

Alex Toohey brings a versatile skill set to the court that allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. His combination of basketball IQ, passing ability, and defensive awareness makes him an intriguing prospect for NBA scouts.

Offensive Capabilities

Toohey excels as a jack-of-all-trades forward with exceptional court vision. His passing ability stands out, particularly for a player his size, allowing him to function effectively as a point forward who can control the tempo of the game.

The 6’8″ Australian demonstrates solid basketball intelligence, making quick decisions with the ball. He’s not a volume scorer but contributes efficiently as an off-ball scorer, finding cutting lanes and positioning himself well for catch-and-shoot opportunities.

His assist numbers reflect his willingness to create for others:

Season	Team	Assists Per Game	Assist-to-Turnover Ratio
NBL25	Sydney Kings	2.7	1.8:1

Toohey’s shooting mechanics are fundamentally sound, though his three-point consistency remains an area for development. His feel for the game translates to smart cutting and excellent offensive timing.

Defensive Responsibilities

Toohey grinds on defense, showing impressive lateral quickness and positional awareness. At 6’8″ with good length, he can guard multiple positions effectively, making him valuable in switching defensive schemes.

His basketball IQ shines on defense where he anticipates passing lanes and provides timely help defense. While not an elite shot-blocker, Toohey contests shots well and rarely finds himself out of position.

Team defense is where Toohey truly excels. He communicates effectively, helps on rotations, and understands defensive concepts at a high level. His ability to execute team defense strategies has scouts projecting him as a potential second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.

His defensive versatility makes him particularly valuable in today’s NBA, where positional flexibility and the ability to guard in space are premium skills for forwards.

Transformation into a Professional

Alex Toohey’s journey from promising talent to professional basketball player showcases his remarkable dedication and growth. His decision to enter the 2025 NBA draft follows two seasons of professional development that have shaped him into a draft-worthy prospect.

Professional Commitment

Toohey’s commitment to professional basketball became evident when he joined the Sydney Kings in the NBL. At just 20 years old, he has already established himself as more than just potential – he’s a standout performer with genuine NBA aspirations.

His time with the Kings has been marked by steady improvement. Toohey has embraced the challenges of professional basketball, using his second NBL season to showcase his development as a big wing who loves to push the pace on the break.

What separates Toohey is his maturity. Scouts note his combination of talent, leadership, and charisma – rare qualities in such a young player.

Training and Work Ethic

Toohey’s transformation stems from his relentless work ethic. His training routines focus on developing his strengths as a versatile forward while addressing his limitations.

His improvement in transition offense has been particularly noteworthy. Toohey has refined his ability to grab rebounds and push the pace, showcasing impressive court vision despite not having elite ball-handling skills.

The results of his dedicated training were on full display in Round 3 of the NBL season, where he demonstrated his touch and transition skills with a memorable spin move.

NBA Draft Projection:

Metric	Value
Draft Range	Late First to Early Second Round
Position	Small Forward
Age	20
Key Strength	Transition offense, basketball IQ
Development Need	Ball-handling versatility

Support and Management

Alex Toohey’s development as a basketball player has been shaped by strong support systems and effective management throughout his career. From team environments to dedicated mentorship, these factors have been instrumental in his growth as a promising Australian forward.

Team Dynamics

Toohey credits the Sydney Kings organization for providing him with an ideal infrastructure to develop his versatile skillset. When faced with the choice between college basketball at Gonzaga or joining the NBL, Toohey made the pivotal decision to sign with the Kings, citing team chemistry as a critical factor.

The Kings’ environment allows Toohey to showcase his jack-of-all-trades abilities while developing alongside seasoned professionals. His integration into the team’s rotations demonstrates the organization’s commitment to young talent development.

Draft Potential Stats:

Skill Area	Rating (1-10)	NBA Comparable
Defensive Versatility	7.5	Early Kyle Anderson
Playmaking	7.0	Joe Ingles
Scoring	6.5	Developing

Coaching and Mentorship

Toohey’s growth has been accelerated by structured mentorship programs. As a participant in Australia’s basketball development pipeline, he’s benefited from professional guidance at multiple levels.

Beyond basketball, Toohey demonstrates a giving mindset. His connection to mentorship extends beyond being mentored, as suggested by professional mentoring activities that build leadership qualities scouts value.

The coaching staff at Sydney Kings has created targeted development plans emphasizing his defensive strengths while refining offensive capabilities. This methodical approach has transformed Toohey from a raw prospect to a legitimate draft consideration for 2025.

His adaptability under coaching direction showcases basketball IQ that translates well to the next level, making him an attractive prospect for NBA teams looking for high-character, coachable talents.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Alex Toohey must navigate several important legal and privacy considerations as he transitions from Australia to potential NBA opportunities.

Contractual Obligations

Toohey’s decision-making regarding the NBA draft highlighted significant contractual considerations. The NBL Next Stars program that brought him to Australia carries specific contractual terms that influenced his timing for NBA draft eligibility.

Players like Toohey must navigate complex contract law issues when transitioning between leagues. His representatives must ensure compliance with both Australian and American sporting regulations while protecting his future earning potential.

Draft prospects typically sign consent agreements governing personal data use in scouting reports and team evaluations. These agreements determine how measurements, medical information, and performance statistics can be shared among NBA organizations.

Toohey’s Draft Projection

Mock Draft Source	Projected Pick	Position Ranking
NBA Draft Room	Mid 2nd Round	#15 SF
ESPN	Late 2nd Round	#18 SF
Bleacher Report	Undrafted	Outside Top 20

Privacy and Data Management

Basketball prospects face unique data privacy challenges in today’s analytics-driven sports landscape. Toohey’s personal data—including physical measurements, geolocation data from training apps, and performance metrics—require robust privacy settings and security measures.

NBA teams collect extensive information during pre-draft workouts, requiring authentication procedures to protect prospect data. Teams typically implement cookie policies and IP address tracking for their digital scouting platforms, which prospects like Toohey interact with regularly.

Toohey, having developed as an Australian prospect proving NBA readiness, faces additional international considerations regarding data transfer between Australian and American basketball organizations. This includes health information, training data, and contractual details.

Young athletes often need guidance on controlling their digital footprint while maintaining necessary visibility to scouts and executives who make career-defining decisions.

Digital Impact and Media Presence

Alex Toohey has cultivated a growing digital footprint that extends beyond his on-court abilities. His rising profile in basketball circles has translated to increased visibility across various online platforms, particularly as his NBA draft prospects continue to improve.

Online Branding and Endorsements

Toohey’s digital brand has strengthened considerably as his professional basketball career develops. His recent leap in the ESPN’s Top 100 draft prospects from projected #57 to #35 has significantly boosted his online visibility. This improved draft positioning reflects his stellar start to the NBL25 season with the Sydney Kings.

The 6’9″, 223-pound forward has begun attracting attention from basketball analysts and scouts, with detailed scouting reports highlighting his skills as an “agile, skilled swingman.”

Toohey’s rising draft stock has made him more attractive for potential endorsement deals, particularly in the Australian market where he represents homegrown talent with international potential.

Social Media Influence

Toohey’s social media presence has expanded alongside his improving play for the Sydney Kings. Basketball content featuring his performances regularly circulates online, including scouting videos analyzing his NBA potential.

His digital footprint has grown substantially since being projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. According to recent mock drafts, Toohey is now being linked to the Golden State Warriors with the 38th pick.

Fan engagement with Toohey content has increased proportionally with his improved play and draft prospects. His appeal crosses both Australian and American basketball audiences, creating a unique dual-market influence that few players possess.

Draft Projection	Source	Position	Team
#35	ESPN	SF	–
#38	Bleacher Report	SF	Golden State Warriors

Future Prospects and Projections

Alex Toohey’s versatile skill set and international experience position him as an intriguing prospect for professional basketball at the highest levels. His development trajectory shows promising upward momentum that has caught the attention of scouts worldwide.

Potential Career Trajectory

Toohey is currently projected as a late first to early second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. His stock has risen steadily through his second NBL season with the Sydney Kings, where he’s demonstrated significant growth.

The 6’8″ forward’s high basketball IQ and offensive versatility create a foundation for a solid professional career. NBA talent evaluators particularly value his well-rounded game and defensive intensity.

ESPN’s draft analysts note his unique combination of size and skill could make him an ideal role player in the modern NBA. His development path mirrors several successful Australian players who transitioned to the league, suggesting a potential multi-year NBA career.

Draft Projection	Strengths	Development Areas
Late 1st/Early 2nd Round	Defensive versatility	Three-point consistency
25-35 range	Playmaking vision	Perimeter creation
Rising stock	Basketball IQ	Explosiveness

Opportunities in Professional Leagues

Toohey’s international experience provides multiple pathways for his professional career. The NBA remains his primary target, with several teams showing interest in his jack-of-all-trades skill set.

His ability to fill up the stat sheet in all areas makes him valuable across different leagues and systems. If the NBA draft doesn’t materialize immediately, Toohey has excellent opportunities in Europe’s top leagues, where his versatile game would be highly valued.

The G-League could provide another developmental pathway, offering more direct NBA exposure. Toohey’s commitment to improving his game suggests he’ll continue his upward trajectory regardless of which professional league he enters first.

Should he return to the NBL, his continued development with the Sydney Kings would only strengthen his professional prospects for the following season.

Community and Philanthropy

Alex Toohey may be making waves on the basketball court, but his impact extends well beyond the hardwood. The young Australian forward has shown remarkable dedication to giving back to his community.

During the holiday season, Toohey represented the Sydney Kings at Maroubra’s Salvation Army, bringing attention to their important work. This appearance on The Today Show highlighted his growing role as a community ambassador.

His connection to community began early in his career. While at Marist College in Canberra, Toohey participated in a U.S. tour that wasn’t just about basketball—it was about cultural exchange and representing Australian values abroad.

As Toohey’s NBA potential continues to grow, scouts have noted his leadership qualities and personable nature. These traits make him an ideal candidate for community programs and fan engagement.

Community Initiatives

• Holiday charity work with Salvation Army
• Youth basketball clinics in Australia
• Cultural ambassador during U.S. tours

Toohey’s approach to philanthropy mirrors his play style: understated yet effective. He doesn’t seek the spotlight for his community work, preferring to let actions speak louder than words.

For NBA teams looking at Toohey in the draft, his community engagement represents added value—a young player who understands the platform sports provides and seems genuinely interested in using it responsibly.

Comparative Analysis

Alex Toohey’s rise on NBA draft boards provides an interesting case study when examining how he stacks up against both current prospects and historical players with similar skill sets. His versatility and high basketball IQ set him apart in meaningful ways.

Peers and Competitors

In the 2025 draft class, Toohey brings a unique combination of skills compared to other forwards. Unlike Alex Sarr who relies more on athleticism and rim protection, Toohey’s game is built around basketball intelligence and all-around contribution.

His skillset also differs from Bobi Klintman, who projects as more of a 3-and-D specialist. Toohey’s high IQ and ability to fill up the stat sheet makes him more of a facilitating forward.

When compared to Andrej Stojakovic, Toohey offers more defensive versatility, though Stojakovic is considered the superior shooter. Izan Almansa brings more traditional big-man skills to the table, while Toohey excels as a jack-of-all-trades forward.

2025 Forward Prospect Comparison

Player	Height	Key Strength	Draft Range
Alex Toohey	6’8″	Playmaking, Basketball IQ	25-40
Alex Sarr	7’1″	Rim Protection	Top 5
Bobi Klintman	6’10”	3-and-D Potential	20-35
Andrej Stojakovic	6’7″	Shooting	15-30

Historical Comparisons

The most apt comparison for Toohey appears to be Bojan Bogdanović. Both share similar size and offensive versatility. This comparison has gained traction as Toohey has doubled his three-point makes from last year.

Beyond Bogdanović, Toohey’s game also evokes elements of Joe Ingles, another Australian forward who carved out a successful NBA career through basketball intelligence rather than elite athleticism. Both players excel as connectors within an offense.

What separates Toohey from many historical comparisons is his modern skill development pathway through the NBL. Unlike previous generations of Australian players who often developed primarily in U.S. college basketball, Toohey has honed his craft against professional competition in Australia’s premier league.

This professional experience should accelerate his NBA readiness, potentially allowing him to contribute earlier than prospects with similar skill profiles from previous draft classes.