"A little younger, a little quicker": JackJumpers shift gears

Featured in photo: Bryce Hamilton

Will Magnay’s NBA fate might be the burning question for Tasmania at Summer League, but the JackJumpers’ powerbrokers believe they’re sitting pretty either way.

Speaking from Las Vegas, JackJumpers COO Darren Smith said a new-look squad is designed to turn heads in the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season, even if it meant saying goodbye to some much-loved names.

“We’ve retooled a lot and got a little bit younger,” Smith told Pete Hooley.

“I think we've got a little bit quicker as well and some guys who can flat out get buckets.”

>> NBL26 Roster Tracker

American duo Bryce Hamilton and David Johnson step in to replace NBL24 champions Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford, while Josh Bannan arrives from Brisbane after two strong seasons.

“I think it's going to be really exciting for our fans and take a little adjustment to get used to some new faces,” Smith said.

“I think we look really good on paper and hopefully we can get that team to gel and perform as good as we hope they can.”

The JackJumpers have doubled down on their renowned culture, investing in local talent from rival clubs in the belief they can help them reach new heights.

“That's the kind of guys that we try to recruit … guys that got something to prove,” Smith added.

“We're obviously really excited about Bannan, he's a talent that's hard to find. So we're really grateful to be able to secure him and see what he can do.

“And then guys like Ben Ayre and Nick Marshall, really great players in our league that just need a bit more of an opportunity and we're hoping that they take that with both hands with us and become lifelong JackJumpers.”

Now, the final piece of the puzzle remains. And whether Magnay earns an NBA shot or not, he’ll have the JackJumpers' blessing.

“We're obviously super-excited for Will and the opportunity to play with Memphis and if he can get picked up it's an unbelievable opportunity for his career,” Smith said.

“But it then leaves us in a position where we're going to have to go and find a replacement for him. So that's why I'm here to have a look at some guys and see what kind of talent's around, just in case.

“We’ve got some agreements in place with Will and with his NBA options. So we've got a deadline and we will stick to that and it's sooner than later, so hopefully we're not going to be waiting around for too long.

“Ideally, we'd like to know tomorrow, but I'm sure that'll take a little bit longer than that. But we will be ready either way.”

The 2025 NBA Summer League starts from July 11, Australian time, with exclusive interviews and insights available on the NBL App and NBL.com.au.