American Guard Dakota Mathias joins JackJumpers

The Tasmania JackJumpers latest recruit is set to travel more than 15,000 kilometres to join the club and call Tasmania home – welcome to the team, Dakota Mathias.  

The 30-year-old experienced guard from Indianapolis Indiana, brings great basketball IQ and game-winning shooting ability.  

“I pride myself on making winning plays and doing whatever I can to help the team win,” Mathias said.  

“Having a high motor with the ability to move and shoot as well as making smart decisions is something I’m excited to show the elite fans in Tasmania.” 

General Manager of Basketball Operations Darren Smith the JackJumpers would benefit from the guard’s experience in the NBA and G League. 

“He’s a tough, disciplined athlete whose fundamental skill for shooting changes games,” Smith said.  

“In the past, teams have relied on him for shooting, and he’ll play that role in our team too. That’s going to be so exciting when you consider we have a creative point guard like Taran Armstrong who is always looking to find open teammates, and Dakota will definitely benefit from that.” 

Mathias is moving to Tasmania from the U.S. with wife Gabby and sons Marcus (22-months) and JD (one month). 

“My family and I are very excited to join the JackJumpers family,” Mathias said. “We can’t wait to get to Tasmania, to experience the culture and all that the island has to offer.” 

JackJumpers Coach Scott Roth said he’s followed Mathias for the last four or five years.  

“I had a brief conversation with him when we first started the JackJumpers,” Roth said. “He has excellent experience, can really shoot and space the floor for us. 

“He really fits perfectly with the group we’ve put together, and we can’t wait to get him to Tasmania.”