Talent Search Centre Inks One-Year Extension

Tasmania centre Josh Tomasi will be given further chances to impress the JackJumpers in NBL24, having signed a one-year contract extension.

The new deal will see Tomasi continue as a development player, after he was identified as a high-potential prospect at the club’s inaugural talent search heading into last season.

Tomasi grew up in Melbourne and signed on with the JackJumpers off the back of two years at Minnesota’s St. Cloud University.

He made one NBL appearance in his debut campaign with the club, largely due to a lingering concussion keeping him sidelined for much of the back half of the season.

"Josh is a great competitor and is always challenging himself and the guys around him," JackJumpers Co-CEO Jorrick Chivers said. "We're really pleased to secure him as a DP for another season and see him grow even further in our program."

"I've been doing great," Tomasi said of his recovery. "The body is feeling great now and I'm ready to do whatever is asked of me to continue to build this season."

Tomasi is currently representing Nunawading in NBL1 South, but he has currently put his season on hold to play for Malta in the Games of the Small States of Europe.

"That's my heritage," he said. "My grandfather is Maltese. He came on a boat from Malta, so it's a really proud moment for me to be able to play the sport I love while representing my Maltese heritage. 

"I hope we can inspire kids who might have Maltese heritage to pursue basketball and see what's possible for them."

Tomasi has joined Walter Brown in signing a new contract as a development player for Tasmania heading into next season, while Burnie-born Tre Armstrong has also inked a development deal for NBL24.

Anthony Drmic and Junior Madut have also committed to the side for the new season.