Tasmania JackJumpers veteran Anthony Drmic has signed on for a fourth season with the club, months after a back injury left him contemplating retirement.
The 34-year-old guard has agreed to a one-year deal for the NBL27 season.
Drmic was bedridden for weeks last season with a back problem that put his playing future in doubt.
“When you’re deep into an injury like that, your mind starts to wonder about what’s next and whether you’ll play again or not,” he said.
“It does give you a different perspective when you get your body back to feeling really good and you are blessed with an opportunity like this to play again.”
With 279 NBL games under his belt, including 80 for the JackJumpers, Drmic is closing in on 300.
He was named the club’s vice-captain last season and has leaned into a leadership role in the locker room.
“I’m officially the old guy in the team, there’s no fending that title off,” he said.
“Last season I really put a big focus on stepping out of my shell and stepping up in the locker-room and the guys really responded and respected it.”
Coach Scott Roth said re-signing Drmic was a priority.
“It was really important that we sign Drmic back,” Roth said.
“He personifies the JackJumpers grit and grind, his toughness for us to go play has been hugely important.”
General manager of basketball operations Darren Smith said Drmic was central to the club’s culture.
“Having Anthony back continues the ability for us to lean on his experience and ability to be a role model, especially for our younger players,” Smith said.
“He has an incredible work ethic on court which fans see, but it’s behind the scenes in the locker-room where his edge of toughness, accountability and leadership adds huge value.”
