Penguin product Ryley Haywood has signed with the Tasmania JackJumpers as a development player for the upcoming NBL27 season.
The 21-year-old first suited up for the JackJumpers in January as an injury replacement for Majok Deng, logging just under eight minutes of game time.
Now he has locked in a full season with the club.
“I’m absolutely stoked,” Haywood said.
“I’ve dreamed of playing for the JackJumpers since they started in the NBL.”
“I don’t have a Plan B. I’m all in on basketball. To finally have this opportunity for a whole season, is unreal.”
Haywood said his brief taste of NBL action earlier this year only fuelled his desire to return.
“When I had the chance to be out there, to experience game day, the fans and even the process of being around the coaches and players, it made me super hungry to get back there.”
JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said Haywood had earned his spot.
“He shows up with passion,” Roth said.
“When we called him up in January, he spent his own money to fly back from a break to play, he made a huge impression on the group.”
“He’s quite a confident player, an outstanding shooter and he’s smart on the court.”
Haywood joins fellow north-west Tasmanian product Taran Armstrong on the roster, adding to the team’s local representation.
“You can’t assume that just because you’re Tasmanian you become a JackJumper, it’s an honour that you have to earn and Ryley has earned that, it’s well deserved,” Roth said.
The signing comes alongside the departure of development players Archie Woodhill and Brody Nunn, who each spent two seasons with the club.
The JackJumpers open their NBL27 campaign on September 21 at MyState Bank Arena, with the first home game at the Silverdome on October 30.
