With the NBL confirming that the free agency will commence at the end of March, it has been reported that the JackJumpers have already started confirming re-signings and contract options decisions with its current players ahead of the deadline.
Fabijan Krslovic to re-sign for two years
As per ESPN’s Olgan Uluc, its been reported that Fabijan Krslovic has re-signed with Tasmania for two years. Speaking on the NBL’s Marketplace show, Ulich said that Krsolvic “was expected to have a ton of interest from around the league, but Tasmania upped their price, gave him that extra year. So he’ll be playing with the JackJumpers,” he said.
A fan favourite in Tasmania, Krislovic has found a great home in Scott Roth’s rotation, averaging 5.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 13 minutes per game last season. But it’s his tenacity on defence, fighting for rebounds, diving on loose balls and also being able to hit a three that has made him such a great role player off the bench for the JackJumpers. He is well known as a solid locker room presence and help build the JackJumpers culture from day one, making this signing a strong one.
Sam MacDaniel opts out
Also reported by Uluc, Sam McDaniel has opted out on the third year option of his contract with Tasmania, allowing him to test the free agent market.
McDaniels recent season with the JackJumpers was an inconsistent one, appearing in only 11 regular season games and averaging 4.2 points per game. This was partly due a injuries which kept him out of the opening six games of the season, and then missing an important 10 game stretch from November to January. In the latter absence, this saw Matt Kenyon and Isaac White step up their game court which eventually squeezed McDaniel out of rotation on his return.
Noted as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, McDaniel likely draw interest from several NBL teams. “A team that I wouldn’t be surprised enter the McDaniel sweepstake’s is the Brisbane Bullets, he already has a relationship with [Bullets coach] Justin Schueller and I think they could really use a guy like him.” Ulich told NBL Marketplace.
But McDaniel could ultimately end up with JackJumpers next season, with both Kenyon and White are both free agents and could end up playing outside of Tasmania next season.
Free agent targets
Tanner Krebs
Born and raised in Tasmania, Tanner Krebs was always of interest to JackJumpers in their bid to get more locals on the roster. Having just completed a two seasons with the Brisbane Bullets, Krebs has advised the Bullets he will become a free agent, accoring to Uluc.
“One player i’m told who won’t be returning is Tanner Krebs. They had interest in brining him back, and that he’s excited to test his value on free agency market. And two teams there, im told Tasmania who is interested, im told Tasmania is interested in him as well, with him being a hometown kid and Melbourne United im told will show interest in Tanner Krebs, Uluc said on NBL Marketplace.
The 27 year old can play well at both ends of the floor, with a solid outside shot (34.6%) and has to tools to improve on his 8.3 points and 3 rebounds he averaged per game last season.
Tanner’s father Dan played for the Hobart Devils as an import in 1990. Averaging 25.4 points and 12.4 rebounds. He now resides in Australia.
Anthony Drmic
Another target for the JackJumpers is the 36ers Anthony Drmic, who has declined his option to become a free agent.
After a two years in Brisbane, Drmic returned to the Sixers this season, averaging 10.3 points and 3.4 rebounds.
His scoring off the bench will be of particular interest to Tasmania, an area they lacked on a consistant basis throughout the recent season. Drmic is also a former team mate of Jack McVeigh, the pair played together in Adelaide in 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Key dates – singing players and free agency
March 27, 12pm: Options to be confirmed.
March 28, 9am: Free Agents List and Player Value/Salary information is circulated to teams.
March 30, 9am: Free Agency Opens.
