In one of the most unexpected and quietly dramatic moments of the NBA Draft in recent memory, Australian prospect Alex Toohey found himself thrust into the center of basketball’s biggest stage. The 6’7″ forward, known for his defensive prowess and team-first mentality, was selected by the Golden State Warriors during a part of the telecast that, ironically, many fans missed—the ad break. The selection was not only surprising due to its timing, but also because Toohey wasn’t projected by most analysts to go in that range, let alone to a team as storied and strategic as the Warriors.
Toohey’s journey to the NBA is a testament to resilience, grit, and a willingness to forge his own path. Born and raised in Canberra, Australia, he grew up far from the bustling basketball pipelines of the United States. He began making noise in local youth circuits with the Canberra Gunners and later joined the NBA Global Academy, a program based at the Australian Institute of Sport that grooms international prospects for elite competition. But even as scouts kept tabs on his development, Toohey never quite grabbed headlines in the same way as other international phenoms. He wasn’t the flashiest scorer, nor did he have the vertical leap that gets crowds out of their seats. What he had was something subtler but equally vital: a high basketball IQ, elite on-ball defense, and a work ethic that quietly set him apart.
After initially committing to play college basketball in the United States, Toohey made a surprising yet calculated decision to de-commit and instead sign with the Sydney Kings in the NBL’s Next Stars program. It was a bold move, but one that showcased his maturity and understanding of what would best prepare him for the next level. The NBL, with its physical style of play and increasing reputation as a launching pad for NBA hopefuls, offered Toohey the opportunity to compete against grown men, develop his game in a professional setting, and improve without the limitations of NCAA rules and structure.
His lone season with the Sydney Kings didn’t light up the stat sheet, but for those watching closely, it was clear Toohey was making meaningful strides. He guarded multiple positions, demonstrated a growing ability to shoot from the perimeter, and consistently made smart plays on both ends of the floor. His coaches praised his professionalism and adaptability, often noting that his impact couldn’t be fully appreciated through numbers alone. Still, despite his strong season, most mock drafts had him listed as a late second-rounder or even projected him to go undrafted. Analysts cited concerns over his offensive polish and questioned whether his game would translate to the NBA level.
Then came draft night.
As the picks rolled in and the spotlight remained on bigger names, few had their eyes on Alex Toohey. In fact, by the time the Warriors were on the clock, many viewers had momentarily tuned out, assuming their pick would be a standard bench-filler or a draft-and-stash international player. The broadcast cut to commercial. And when it returned, the graphic showed something few expected—**Alex Toohey, selected by the Golden State Warriors**.
Social media buzzed with confusion, surprise, and eventual admiration. Who was this Aussie forward picked during a commercial break? Was this a strategic move or just coincidence? Soon after, reports emerged that Golden State had quietly fallen in love with Toohey’s game. According to insiders, the Warriors had done their homework. They viewed Toohey as a system fit, a player whose game aligned with their philosophy of ball movement, positional versatility, and defensive effort. In fact, Golden State’s front office reportedly sent multiple scouts to Sydney throughout the NBL season, taking note of how Toohey played against seasoned professionals. They valued not just his on-court ability but also his demeanor and willingness to embrace a role—something rare among prospects trying to make a name for themselves.
For a franchise in transition, caught between contending and rebuilding, Toohey represents the kind of low-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay off big. He’s not expected to carry a scoring load, but he could carve out a niche similar to other under-the-radar Warriors contributors like Gary Payton II or Kevon Looney—players who know their role, play within the system, and make winning plays.
And for Toohey, the draft-day surprise only fuels his already steady fire. Speaking to media shortly after his selection, he was calm, humble, and characteristically focused. “I’ve always just tried to do the right things on the court and let my play speak for itself,” he said. “To be picked by a team like the Warriors—man, that’s surreal. I know the work is just beginning, but I’m ready for it.”
There’s something refreshingly grounded about Toohey’s approach. In an era where social media clout and highlight reels often determine a young player’s visibility, he has gone about his business in a quiet, efficient manner. And now, in joining a franchise known for turning overlooked players into contributors, he may have found the perfect environment to grow.
Much will depend on how Toohey adapts to the pace and physicality of the NBA, but if his previous transitions—from local leagues in Canberra to the Global Academy to the professional NBL—are any indication, he has the temperament and adaptability to make it work. He’ll likely spend time in the G League early on, getting accustomed to the NBA style and building his skill set. But with Golden State’s player development infrastructure and emphasis on high-IQ basketball, Toohey could rise faster than many expect.
Fans and analysts alike have begun revisiting his NBL tape, with many now acknowledging what Golden State evidently saw months ago. He moves his feet well on defense, doesn’t overhelp or gamble, and reads passing lanes like a veteran. On offense, while his scoring remains a work in progress, he cuts with purpose, passes willingly, and understands spacing—traits that make him valuable even without the ball in his hands.
And then there’s the mental game. Toohey’s maturity is evident. He doesn’t get too high or too low, and that even-keeled attitude will serve him well in a league that can be emotionally and mentally taxing. He’s already embraced the underdog label, something that could give him an edge as he enters summer league and begins his quest to earn a roster spot.
It’s still early, and the NBA is a long road, especially for second-round picks and unheralded prospects. But if there’s a franchise that can maximize a player like Toohey, it’s the Warriors. Their track record with developmental success stories gives Toohey a real shot—not just to stick in the league, but to thrive in a meaningful role.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this surprise draft moment is a reminder of how layered the talent pool is around the world, and how much more there is to evaluating prospects than highlight dunks and college accolades. Toohey might not have dominated headlines or mock drafts, but in the eyes of one of the NBA’s most respected franchises, he has something that can’t be taught—awareness, discipline, and the ability to make those around him better.
As the NBA world digests this latest surprise, Toohey is already in the gym. That’s just who he is. No fanfare, no celebration tour—just the next step in a journey that now leads to the Bay Area. Whether he ends up starting for the Warriors one day or playing a key bench role, one thing’s clear: Alex Toohey is no longer in the shadows.
He’s here, and he’s ready.
