The JackJumpers floor general from thier debut season is coming back, with Josh Magette re-signing with team for the 2022-23 season.
The 32-year old American was instrumental in the success of the Tasmanian franchise in their debut season. He was 2nd in the league in assists (5.9 per game), 5th in steals (1.8 per game) while also averaging 11.8 points per game.
But it was his leadership as a highly experienced point guard, helping 15 new players to play together as a team,, was where he truly excelled. Being the chief facilitor, playing at the right pace and helping bring out the best in his team mates is what he brought outside of the nightly box score.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that we’ve been able to get a deal done to bring Josh back for another season,” JackJumpers CEO Simon Brookhouse said.
“He provided fantastic leadership and direction both on and off the floor in our first year and we’re really excited to have him back in JackJumpers colours again”.
Magette says he and his family are delighted to be returning to Tasmania.
“I’m so excited to be coming back to Tassie for another season. We could not have enjoyed last season more; the fans were just incredible and I’m excited to continue building on the foundations we have laid with a great group of guys” Magette said.
The resigning of Magette now makes it 10 players from last years inagural roster that will be coming back for season two.
Other free ageny moves
Magette’s return is the biggest move of the free agency for Tasmania, but there is still work to do in regards to fill their remaining two roster spots.
But Magette’s signing does help the JackJumpers recruiting in a big way, Heading into free agency they had to find scorers,in the form of a shooting guard and a power forward/centre. That job gets a little easier to sell now that you have an experienced point guard who is looking to get you your shot.
The movecould play a part in Josh Adams future as well. Adams had a breakout season with the JackJumpers which has made him hot property in international basketball. You can’t really blame him for taking up more lucrative offers, but the opportunity to return to the NBL as a star player and pairing with Magette again would also be tempting.
As far as as attracting a big man, it appears that man will not be Robert Franks. The JackJumpers Basketball Operation Manager Jorrick Chivers telling WIN TV Tasmania that Franks was one that the team was “definently interested in, but didn’t quite get over the line”. With the Adelaide 36ers looking most likely to land Franks services next season.
Outside of Franks it would appear the JackJumpers have cast a fairly wide net looking for thier next big man. With international travel restrictions lifting, there ais a much bigger player market than what was on offer last season.
On the domestic front three obvious (but ambititios) targets would be Duop Reath, Nick Kay and Thon Maker. All are Australian and potentially could lineup as “marquee” singings – which allows only a small percentage of thier payments counting towards the salary cap (Magnay was a marquee player for Tamania in 21/22). All three have been linked with the other NBL clubs during free agency but not the JackJumpers at this stage.
