After being linked to the JackJumpers in recent days, it was officially announced today that Majok Deng will join Tasmania for the NBL 2023-24 season.
The 6’10” forward will take the final local player spot on the roster, which is essentially now complete barring a Next-Star joining the club, which appears unlikely at this stage.
Deng is looking for a fresh start in Tasmania, after an underwhelming 2022-23 season with the Cairns Taipans, where he saw his role reduced behind bigs Keanu Pinder, Sam Waardenburg and DJ Hogg. He finished the season averaging 6.7 points, 3.9 rebounds in 16 minutes and shooting it at 32% from outside. Which is well down on his previous three seasons with the snakes where he averaged 12.9 points, 4.4 rebounds in 25 minutes and shooting it at 37% from outside.
“He is an exceptional shooter and rebounder who can play multiple positions for us. His length and athleticism will add another dimension to our frontcourt,”JackJumpers co-CEO Jorrick Chivers said.
With a point to prove, the 32 year old fits the ‘chip on the shoulder” mentality that the JackJumpers organisation loves in their recruits.
“We also really admire his competitiveness and believe he has the values and work ethic that will resonate with the people of Tasmania.” Chivers said.
JackJumnpers retool and go big
The JackJumpers have undergone a significant revamp of their roster over the NBL off season. Traditionally a ‘small ball’ team with ongoing injuries to Will Magnay, Tasmania has bolstered their bigs stocks with import Marcus Lee (208cm) and Majok Deng (205cm), who now join with Magnay (208cm), Jack McVeigh (203cm) and Fabian Krslovic (203cm).
With a similar skillset of McVeigh, its likely to see him slot directly into a backup PF role. But with Magnay likely to miss the start of the NBL season, he could see coach Scott Roth play him in a whole range of roles depending on matchups.
But JackJumper fans might best remember Deng from the opening home game of NBL23, where he dropped a season-high 26 points to lead Cairns to an upset 106-84 win at the Nest.
Majok Deng is currently playing for the Logan Thunder in NBL1 North. He is currently in MVP consideration leading his team to a 13-2 record and averaging 29.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game .
