Why DJ's encore will be worth the wait

The Tasmania JackJumpers appear set to bounce back in a way during the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season, after revamping their roster.

That rebuild features the signing of Tasmania talent Taran Armstrong and young forward Ben Gold to multi-year deals, re-signing bigs Will Magnay and Majok Deng, and losing the likes of Sean Macdonald, Tyger Campbell, and Kobe Williamson.

Another key piece to Tasmania’s revamped roster is the newly re-signed David Johnson, who returns for a second season on the Apple Isle.

2018 NBL champion Pete Hooley believes the sharpshooting American is a great fit for Scott Roth’s roster.

“I love it [Johnson’s signing],” Hooley said.

“He got derailed by the injury [last season] and was clearly out of shape when he came back. How could you not be when you can’t run with a calf injury?

“He's a sharpshooter, and we've seen [the damage he can do] when he gets hot.

“Alongside Taran, who is a player that likes to get guys involved, I really like the path Tasmania have taken [with their recruitment].

“They still have an import spot to go, but with [Josh] Bannan and Magnay [already locked in], this is going to be a really fun team, and that’s why I’ve been high on them.”

Fellow panellist Olgun Uluc, from ESPN, also believes adding someone of Johnson’s shooting ability (32.4 per cent from downtown) will greatly help the other pieces to the Ants’ roster.

“The thing that we always said when they signed Taryn Armstrong was that they needed to put shooting around him,” Uluc said.

“I don't think the numbers showed it by the end of the season, but he was one of the more reliable catch-and-shoot guys in the NBL.

“Putting that next to Taryn Armstrong is important, and they need to do that again with the other wing spot that they bring in.

“When Johnson was in the G League, there was some creation to his game that I don't think we saw too much of [last season].

“I think we can see some sort of point guard duties for Johnson, too.

“Tasmania has consistently historically been a slower pace team, but with Taryn Armstrong running the point with his ability to play downhill, and a younger guy like David Johnson [on the wing] and Magnay, who is one of the best rim-running bigs in the NBL, I believe there’s an opportunity for them to play a little quicker.”

Rounding out the Hungry Jack’s NBL24 champions’ roster are Nick Marshall, Ben Ayre and Archie Woodhill.

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