2025 NBA Draft: Alex Toohey pushes his first round claim

2025 NBA Draft Alex Toohey

Alex Toohey's stakes as a first round prospect in the 2025 NBA draft were given a boost with a performance against league leaders Melbourne that changed the momentum of the game, pegging Sydney back from a 14-point third quarter deficit giving them a chance of victory.

Sydney's lack of a true big at the center position has hurt them this season and put them on the back foot, unable to work the ball inside against Melbourne's Rob Loe and Marcus Lee. Late in the second quarter, Toohey took on the challenge of the Melbourne size with two strong drives straight at the basket, laying the platform for a game changing third quarter performance.

The 20-year-old from Canberra showed his versatility and breadth in his game using his 6-8" frame backing his way in on the Melbourne centers and getting success under the rim and in the paint, shifting the momentum into Sydney's favour as they clawed their way back into the game after the halftime break.

Toohey's presence in the middle helped Sydney spread the floor, giving space to his shooters like Cam Oliver and Shaun Bruce who were able to peg the Kings back from the perimeter. the 2025 NBA prospect finished the game 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and also had a monster performance off the ball with 2 steals and 2 blocks.

It wasn't only on the offensive side of the ball where Toohey made a difference for the Kings. Melbourne were shooting close to 70% from the field in the first half and Sydney were desperate for stops. The usual shooting forward shifted into the trenches defending at 5 and got huge block on Loe as he attempted to post up, sending the Melbourne big to floor.

Toohey also was also given the task of defending high, often matching up against sharp-shooter Chris Goulding, who's 20 points in the first half gave the advantage to Melbourne. The second half was another story with Toohey using his length to disrupt Goulding slowing down his point production and forcing misses.

After starting the season hot from the perimeter and looking more like a shooting forward that was more dangerous from three than inside, hitting 8 from 17 attempts from outside in the first three rounds. The three-point shooting dried up and Toohey's identity and role got lost in the rotation conundrum in coach Brian Goorjian's lineup.

The performance against Melbourne adds another dimension to his game that is going to lift his value and stake in the 2025 NBA draft. The numbers are one thing, but it is Toohey's ability to adjust his game and use his skill set in a role that is outside of what he is use to.

One of the key attributes that NBA teams chase is coachability and Toohey has shown that, maybe more than any other prospect in the NBL. He has developed from what the Bleacher Report quoted him as being a "fit and plug-and-play wing" to being able to use his size and strength, which is also going to develop as he ages, giving him another dimension and skill set that will attract scouts.

The latest mock draft has Alex Toohey at number 36, however, if he keeps developing under arguably the greatest coach in Australian basketball history, then we could see the young man from Australia's capital be a worthwhile pick in the first round of the 2025 draft, one that is NBA ready after two full seasons playing against men in the NBL.