Recruit gives JackJumpers "sky-high ceiling"

Having made the post-season four of their first five seasons, including winning the Hungry Jack’s NBL24 title, the Tasmania JackJumpers have enjoyed plenty of success during their time in the League.

And now that run of success appears set to continue, after the club’s reported deal with Taran Armstrong.

On Thursday, ESPN’s Olgun Uluc reported that the JackJumpers have agreed to terms with the Tasmania guard, who is currently playing for Dubai Basketball in the EuroLeague.

“Good things come to those who wait [in the case of] Taran Armstrong,” Uluc said on The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.

“If in his first season as a pro, he went to the JackJumpers, I don't know if he's ready to make a huge imprint on an NBL team. Is he ready to lead a team, be the starting point guard for an NBL team? I don't know if that's the case when Taran Armstrong first became a pro.

“Give him two seasons in Cairns, a cup of coffee with the Santa Cruz Warriors as a two-way player for the Golden State Warriors, go to Dubai, have that experience and then come back, you're getting a more seasoned player.

“So, for Scott Roth, as someone who isn't trying to rebuild [this makes sense]. Now, Taran Armstrong joins the JackJumpers when he is great, in a team that's ready to win now.

“For the Ant Army, it's okay to wait, because you're getting a better player now than what you would have got a couple of years ago.”

Now the 24-year-old guard joins a JackJumpers outfit that features Will Magnay, Josh Bannan, Nick Marshall, Sean Macdonald, Ben Ayre, Kobe Williamson and Archie Woodhill.

“We look at the JackJumpers roster as a whole now, following [this news] and the official announcement that Will Magnay is returning, they have two very interesting bookends in their starting lineup,” Uluc said.

“Magnay is a lob threat and rim protector, while Taran is a high-level point guard and connector.

“Add in Josh Bannan, who averaged a double-double last season and it already feels like a very balanced roster, that has a sky-high ceiling.

“[Not only that] they now have more flexibility with their imports, having already three locals who could all be marquees.

“With all that in mind, I appreciate the excitement around the JackJumpers organisation right now.”

Fellow panelist Pete Hooley also appreciates the excitement around the Apple Isle franchise, knowing how much the fans will love supporting ‘one of their own’.

“It [the deal] just feels right and I know you can’t wipe the smile off Scott Roth’s face right now, as Taran is a player he’s wanted for some time,” Hooley said.

“I remember there was a sentiment when Taran signed in Cairns all those years that they [Tasmania] had missed out on one of their own.

“I give Tasmania a whole lot of credit as they haven't been afraid to adopt other guys as their own, as their own local talent, and those players have become part of the furniture there from the moment of the inception of the club.

“But Taran Armstrong is one of those true local stars that have come through all the junior programs.

“It’s always a good thing to have Tasmanian born and bred players on your team and now he gets to be an exciting part of this going forward into NBL27.”

Armstrong has played 42 games in his NBL career, producing averages of 12 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest.

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