The Tasmania JackJumpers have locked in their full squad for NBL27 with the signing of injury replacement player Nick Stoddart.
Stoddart returns as a familiar face to fill the spot left by Bryce Hamilton, who is recovering from an ACL injury.
The JackJumpers will head into the season with eight returning players and three new faces in Ben Gold, Dakota Mathias and Taran Armstrong, along with two new development players.
Coach Scott Roth said bringing Stoddart back was an easy decision.
“It’s like putting a puzzle together and now we have the last piece of that puzzle,” Roth said.
“This is another group of high-character players and now it’s all about taking what looks good on paper and proving that on the court.”
Roth said the coaching staff had kept a close eye on Stoddart, who crossed the Tasman to play as an import guard for Tauranga Whai in the NZNBL.
“The fact he went to New Zealand, outside his comfort zone and took a risk on himself, made a big impression on me,” he said.
“To step up as the Import and as point guard was a big role, a big responsibility and it’s clearly built his game and his confidence too.”
“This isn’t about replacing Hamilton, it’s about adding another quality player to our group and more depth and versatility for us.”
Stoddart said he could not wait to return to Tasmania.
“I love Tassie and this team, it’s where I started my NBL career and that means a lot,” Stoddart said.
“I think I’m returning fitter and stronger, definitely mentally stronger, than last season.”
“Scott (Roth) is always saying that it’s your brain that will take you as far as you can in this game, so I’m always trying grow my basketball IQ.”
The JackJumpers open NBL27 on Monday, September 21 at MyState Bank Arena, with their first home game at the Silverdome in Launceston on Friday, October 30.
