Tasmanian basketballer Taran Armstrong is headed from US college basketball to the NBL, but it won’t be with the JackJumpers. The North West Tasmanian product has signed a two year deal with the Cairns Taipans according to ESPN.
The news would be disappointing to JackJumpers, who had been in ongoing discussions with Taran Armstrong and his brother Tre, who both were part of NCAA side California Baptist University (CBU) the past two seasons.
Tre had just finished his final season with CBU as a senior, but Taran as a sophomore had up to two years remaining in the US college system. Noted as one of the best passing guards in college basketball, Taran was averaging 10 points and 6 assists per game for CBU. But with the team only achieving moderate success, he looked for a change of college by nominating for the NCAA transfer portal. This allowed other schools and professional teams to approach Taran and offer an opportunity to join thier respective team.
Despite receiving a large number of offers from big colleges, and narrowing his preferences to Gonzaga, Creighton, Providence and Xavier, Taran ultimately elected to turn professional and return home to Australia and suit up with the Cairns Taipans.
As much as a return to Tasmania would be a great story for the JackJumpers, it appears a larger on-court role with the Taipans has seen him elect to play in Cairns next season. Taipans coach Adam Forde has already had tremendous success bringing in young players to his team direct college, such as last years Next Generation award winner Sam Wardenburg. Additionally, with guards Shannon Scott (Brisbane Bullets) and Ben Ayre (SE Melbourne Phoenix) departing the snakes, there are is plenty of opportunity for Tre with the Taipans.
Search continues for local talent
His decision to go to Cairns would be disappointing to the JackJumpers, who have been actively seeking out locally based players on thier roster.
The JackJumpers have made no secret of their desire to bring Tasmanian players into the team, and to have them as a key part of their organisation going forward. Tre is the third Tasmanian player to sign elsewhere in the NBL this free agency following Sam McDaniel moving to the Brisbane Bullets and Tanner Krebs signing with Melbourne United.
However, the JackJumpers are likely to still have a local flavour next season with local youngsters Kye Savage and Taran Armstrong both being offered Development Player contracts last month. A decision on those contracts are expected towards the end of free agency.
