"Deep in conversation": Milton in mix for JJ's return

The Tasmania JackJumpers are eager to bring back NBL24 Champion Milton Doyle for a fourth season, stating they’re in “deep conversations” with the star import. 

Doyle has been incredibly consistent in his three years as a JackJumper, averaging 15.8 points, 4.3 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.3 steals across 96 appearances for the club. 

While he’s currently playing in Puerto Rico, Chief Operating Officer Darren Smith says conversations are “positive” with the 31-year-old, but nothing is set in stone just yet. 

“I think we’re definitely deep in a conversation with him and keen to see how that negotiation goes over the coming weeks,” Smith said on Thursday. “We’ve been talking to Mil for some time. 

“He’s in the middle of a season in Puerto Rico, so he’s got that to think about and a range of other things with his family. They’re positive conversations, but these things take time and we’re in no rush. 

“But we’ll have to consider other options as well in case that doesn’t happen. We have to be prepared to make sure we’ve got the right person for the role.”

There's also the looming danger that another club swoops on the All-NBL First Team star, according to Pete Hooley.

“At least one other team is in deep talks with Doyle. The likelihood that we’ll see Milton Doyle in the NBL seems to very much be increasing by the day. With Tasmania, I’m not so sure. They still have the conversation. They still have the desire to come to some sort of agreement, but they’re not alone,” Hooley said.

Tasmania parted ways with fellow import Jordon Crawford last week, but has since secured the signature of David Johnson, a dynamic guard out of the G League and with NBA experience. 

“If you look at his résumé, it’s pretty exciting what he’s been able to do throughout college and then into his pro career in the G-League. He’s a dynamic scoring wing, and we think that was kind of a need for us — to get a little bit more athletic and younger. So we think it fills a nice hole for us,” Smith said. 

The JackJumpers will have a distinct local feel in NBL26, opting for two imports instead of three. 

“Our focus is on the strength of our Australians. That’s our primary goal,” Smith added.

“I think we’ve been able to really stack that up well with Josh Bannan and continuing with guys that are already here as well, like (Will) Magnay and Seany Mac (Sean Macdonald). We really expect him to elevate again this year.”

Tasmania finished last season outside of the final six for the first time in its history, prompting the departure of seven rostered players and an influx of talent from other clubs, including Bannan, Ben Ayre and Nick Marshall. 

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