New NBL team ‘Tasmanian JackJumpers have received a welcome boost, signing rising Australian centre Will Magnay for their inaugural season.
Magnay, 23, debuted in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this year while playing for G-League side Erie Bay Hawks, before completing the NBL season with runners up Perth Wildcats.
JackJumpers coack, Scott Roth, said:
"I have been a huge fan of Will since his days in Brisbane and firmly believe he has the potential to be one of Australia's best big men.
"Will had a taste of the NBA earlier this year and I want to help him get back there.
"Having worked with the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Kristaps Porzingis and Jonas Valanciunas in the past, I believe myself and the team at the JackJumpers will give Will the best preparation to get him back to the NBA."
Magnay joins Jarred Bairstow, Jack McVeigh, Sam McDaniel and Clint Steindl as players on the JackJumpers' roster ahead of the 2021-22 season.
Mr Magnay said:
"After speaking to Scott Roth and the team, it became clear to me that the JackJumpers were the best option for me to improve, win and eventually try and get back to the NBA.”
It’s the first time there has been a Tasmanian based NBL for over 20 years, when the Hobart Devils competed in Australia’s top-flight basketball competition.
The Hobart Devils went into administration and were unable to continue competing in the NBL in 1996.