Victorian NBA star Dyson Daniels says footy, mates and family keep things real
He’s an $8 million man in just his second season in the NBA. But Bendigo’s Dyson Daniels is lapping up footy and the simple life after returning home on holidays.
Bendigo born and bred NBA star Dyson Daniels has spoken of the joys of watching footy, having a quiet beer and family to help keep him level headed.
Back on home soil after a second season in the world’s most famous basketball league which earned him a base salary of more than $8.5 million, Daniels said he was happily getting his footy fix.
“I’m a big footy man, I grew up playing footy, so any time I can get to a game – no matter who is playing – I do,’’ he said.
“I just love my footy.’’
Richmond fan Daniels has been in the stands to watch the Tigers since returning home from a long NBA season and hoped to watch Essendon-Carlton and Collingwood-Melbourne live at the weekend.
The New Orleans Pelicans guard said returning to his roots and being a fan rather than sports star helped him unwind from the glitz, glamour and pressure of the NBA.
And the 21-year-old who stands 2.01m tall and will play a big role in Australia’s Paris Olympics campaign, said he was first enjoying everything he loves about home.
“I finished the season about a month ago now, coming home it’s been nice to chill, relax, have some fun with family and friends,’’ he said.
“A few beers and stuff like that.’’
Daniels met Essendon vice-captain Andrew McGrath and Carlton goal kicker Charlie Curnow at Marvel Stadium’s NBA live site on Friday.
And while he was living his dream playing against the likes of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Steph Curry in the US, Daniels declared there was no place like home to beat the grind of the NBA.
“It’s not pretty at all, all the travelling after games but that’s why they pay us the big bucks and you’ve got to do it,’’ he said.
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“The hotels are nice but it could be better than getting in at 4am and having to wake up and play a game that day.
“It’s difficult … 82 games in the regular season so you really have to look after your body, stay in touch with your teammates.’’
After an up and down season which saw him “make some jumps” but ultimately ended with his team swept by Aussie Josh Giddey’s Oklahoma City Thunder, Daniels said it was “all about building’’.
Originally published as Victorian NBA star Dyson Daniels says footy, mates and family keep things real
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