Player Recap: Caleb Daniels

Caleb Daniels embraced every role thrown his way in 2023-24.

From a crucial player off the bench to start the season, to a go-to starter to end the year, Daniels made valuable strides in his first year as a professional.

"Caleb really improved throughout the entire season," Skyforce head coach Kasib Powell said. "He embraced his roles and I think it's big for a player to go through that. It's really going to help his development in the long run and it was just a blessing to be able to watch him grow in year one."

The Villanova product averaged 12.3 points on 42.9 FG%, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per 30.1 minutes in 47 total appearances between the Showcase Cup and regular season.

Daniels showed his impact immediately, in his first two professional games, posted a combined 31 points on 11-20 FGA (7-9 3PA), seven rebounds and three assists against Indiana (Nov. 11) and Cleveland (Nov. 14).

He would go on a three-game streak of 20+ points (21 points and eight rebounds on Nov. 28 at Motor City, Showcase Cup high 24 points, six rebounds and four assists at Cleveland on Dec. 1, 20 points on 8-13 FGA on Dec.5 versus Indiana) to highlight his Showcase Cup.

In 16 games, he averaged 11.0 points on 41.7 FG%, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per 27.3 minutes a game.

In the first four regular season contests, Daniels scored 14+ points in three games off the bench. During that span he added six-plus rebounds in three games, as well.

During the month of February, after being a regular fixation in the starting lineup, Daniels averaged 17.0 points on 51.4 FG%, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per 31.8 minutes in 11 appearances.

"It was a really crucial time for us," Powell said of Daniels play. "Coming off a couple call-ups, we needed to replace scoring. Caleb came in and was able to up his production, but also help keep us in the top of the Western Conference playoff race."

He posted seven games of 19+ points, which was highlighted by a four-game stretch of 22+ points from Feb. 13-Feb. 25 (career-high 28 points on 12-18 FGA, 4-8 3P and five assists on Feb. 14 at Texas).

Daniels ended the regular season with splits of 12.9 points on 43.4 FG%, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 blocks and steals per 31.5 minutes in 31 games.

"He was one of the most steady players we had all season," Powell said. "We don't get to where we got without Caleb. He can really carve a roll out for himself (in the future).