'A lot of young talent': Australian basketball praised in new NBA 2K26

'A lot of young talent': Australian basketball praised in new NBA 2K26 originally appeared on The Sporting News

Australian basketball continues to go from strength to strength, with a rapidly rising group of young stars emerging in the league. 

From the reigning Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels, to elite point guard Josh Giddey, as well as four new rookies in the 2025 draft class, the Australian contingent in the NBA is continuing to grow.

This rise has been noted in the upcoming NBA 2K26, with the in-game commentators praising Australia's basketball growth in the latest edition of the popular video game franchise. 

MORE:Ronnie 2K hopes Dyson Daniels' top NBA 2K26 rating inspires Josh Giddey | Ronnie 2K teases potential follow-up to Ben Simmons NBA 2K19 Australian cover | Tyrese Proctor and other Aussie NBA 2K26 rookie ratings revealed

Australian basketball praised in new NBA 2K26

NBA 2K26 is an Australian basketball fan's dream, with the ability to suit up as each and every Aussie in the NBA and WNBA. 

As part of the in-game experience in the Quick Play mode, NBA play-by-play callers provide specialised commentary, which includes some high praise for Australian basketball.

Duo Kevin Harlan and Tim Legler have two separate spiels about Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels while Brian Anderson and Grant Hill also discuss last year's MIP. 

NBA 2K26 Australian basketball commentary

Harlan and Legler on Giddey

KEVIN HARLAN: "Greg, we have another up and comer from down-under, Josh Giddey."

TIM LEGLER: "I mean, a lot of young talent come into the NBA by way of Australia, their great skill development program showing in Giddey, who stands 6-8, but plays like a small point guard."

Harlan and Legler on Daniels

KEVIN HARLAN: "And last season’s most improved player, and Tim I know you like this guy, Dyson Daniels – a rising player."

TIM LEGLER: "Well Kevin, he is an elite defender, already one of the best we have in this league and he’s just getting started."

Anderson and Hill on Daniels

BRIAN ANDERSON: "How about Dyson Daniels Grant, last season leading the league in steals."

GRANT HILL: "Well averaging over 3 a game, that mark hadn’t been met in over three decades, BA. And in the process, the Aussie earning the nickname, 'the Great Barrier Thief'. Not bad."