“Congrats, kid” – Ryley Haywood Steps Up

Turns out, North-West Tasmanian Ryley Haywood started the year exactly as he will finish it, playing for the Tasmania JackJumpers and it was a “congrats, kid” text from the coach that sealed the deal.  

The 21-year-old from Penguin first donned the green jersey on January 24 this year as an Injury Replacement Payer for a concussed Majok Deng, clocking just under eight minutes of game time.  

Now, he’s back, ready to add to his JackJumpers minutes as a Development Player for Hungry Jacks NBL27.  

“I’m absolutely stoked,” Haywood said. “I’ve dreamed of playing for the JackJumpers since they started in the NBL.  

“Then, when I had the chance to be out there, to experience game day, the fans, and even the process of being around the coaches and players, it made me super hungry to get back there.  

“I don’t have a Plan B. I’m all in on basketball. To finally have this opportunity for a whole season, is unreal.”

Haywood was working out in Melbourne earlier this month when he found four missed calls from the General Manager of Basketball Operations Darren Smith.  

“I knew I was in the mix for a spot, and when I saw four missed calls, I immediately thought it was bad news. Luckily, I called Darren and he told me straight up that I got the call up.  

“A couple of hours later I got a text from Scott (Roth) that said ‘congrats, kid!! Well deserved’, I told him ‘Thank you!! I’ll make the most of it’.”

JackJumpers Coach Scott Roth said Haywood had really grown as a player in the past few years, and there was still plenty more to come.  

“He shows up with passion,” Roth said. “When we called him up in January, he spent his own money to fly back from a break to play, he made a huge impression on the group.  

“He’s quite a confident player, an outstanding shooter, and he’s smart on the court.”

Haywood is joining fellow North-Wester Taran Armstrong, boosting the team’s Tassie stock.

“We talk about it here, you can’t assume that just because you’re Tasmanian you become a JackJumper, it’s an honour that you have to earn, and Ryley has earned that, it’s well deserved.”

The JackJumpers are also farewelling two Development Players, Archie Woodhill and Brody Nunn.

Nunn joined the JackJumpers in NBL25, playing two seasons as a Development Player, with four games in his first season and nine in his second. Woodhill also joined the JackJumpers in NBL25 for two seasons as a Development Player. Woodhill and the club have mutually agreed to part ways.  

General Manager of Basketball Operations Darren Smith thanked Nunn and Woodhill.  

“Brody and Archie have grown as players during their tenure with the team,” he said. “They both have bright futures ahead, and our club thanks them for their commitment to defending the island and wishes the all the very best for what’s ahead.”

The JackJumpers first game of NBL27 is on Monday September 21 at MyState bank Arena, with their first home game at the Silverdome on Friday October 30.  

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