JackJumpers score Gold signing

The Tasmania JackJumpers have signed New Zealand center Ben Gold ahead of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

Gold joins the JackJumpers after spending four seasons with the Marquette Golden Eagles in the NCAA’s Big East Conference. The 6'11" big man developed through the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence before heading to the United States in 2022.

“He’s going to be an important part of the group of bigs that we’ve put together,” JackJumpers head coach, Scott Roth said.

“But the thing I love about him most is that he has a big work rate and a big motor for a player his size, plus he’s hungry to get better.” 

Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, the 23-year-old has also represented the Tall Blacks and was selected in New Zealand’s squad for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

During his college career, Gold appeared in more than 140 games for Marquette, developing a reputation as a versatile frontcourt player capable of stretching the floor and impacting both ends of the court.

“We had a need to shore-up our big-stocks, and Ben is going to fill that demand,” General Manager of Basketball Operations, Darren Smith said.  

“We’ve been aware of him for some time, we’re always keeping an eye on all the Aussie and Kiwi guys in college and Gold was a stand out for his size and versatility.” 

The signing comes after the club opened up two roster spots within days, after announcing the mutual releases of Sean Macdonald and Kobe Williamson.