The Tasmania JackJumpers have signed their first ever player, 18 year-old Tasmanian Sejr Deans.

Deans has signed a development player contract with the JackJumpers for the 2021/22 Hungry Jack’s NBL season. The teenager has enjoyed a decorated junior career, representing Tasmania in Under 16s, Under 18s and Under 20s.

He also represented Australia in national Under 15 and 17 teams and was also a member of the Under 19 national squad. Deans will play in the NBL1 South season this year with the North West Thunder.

Tasmania JackJumpers Head Coach Scott Roth said: “We are thrilled to announce Sejr Deans as our first player signing for the JackJumpers.

“We are committed to developing young Tasmanian talent and Sejr is a great example of a player who has come through local junior ranks and thoroughly deserves his opportunity at the professional level.

“This is an important moment for the JackJumpers and the first of many exciting player announcements over the coming months as we continue our march towards our first game.”

Deans said: “I’m super excited. To be the first player signing for the JackJumpers is a huge honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.

“Everyone represents Tasmania with pride, and it is a great thing for young players like myself that there is now a pathway into the NBL and I think this will inspire a lot of other young athletes in the state.”