The local contingent of Tasmania JackJumpers new-look roster came together this week for the club’s preseason mini-camp, with 11 signed players, plus additional local athletes by invitation, come together for a three-day intensive training initiation camp.

Assistant Coach Mark Radford was highly impressed with how the new group came together quickly.

“Lots of fresh faces and a fresh feel. The exciting thing was everyone coming on day one for our camp just excited to do well and integrate into the group. And I thought it was had that ‘year one’ feel about it again, though. It was fresh, and it's exciting for our club” Radford said.

“Scott's very diligent about picking the right people and people that are on the edge, and passionate about doing well and coming in to put their best out there for our club straight away” Radford said.

“I think there'll be some stuff that's definitely going to change in the style of play because we're a very different group from previous years, little bit quicker and younger. And some things will stay the same because they've been proven. And one thing that's not changing is our defensive philosophy” he said.

Guard Nick Marshall works out with Assistant Coach Nate Brereton at the Tasmania JackJumpers Preseason Mini Camp. Photo: Liam Boric

Among the familiar faces at Kingborough Sports Centre, fan favourite Will Magnay, who returned to the group following a strong Summer League Campaign with the Memphis Grizzlies.

“It was a great experience and I’m very grateful for them [Grizzlies] for bringing me in and helping me with my rehab and looking after me. You know, I was treated like one of their own so I'm very grateful for my time there and everyone involved” he said.

“They were pretty transparent with what they wanted and what they're looking for and I thought I put my best foot forward and did the right thing.

“Ultimately, they went with someone who's probably a bit younger, which you that’s sport. You know, you're always competing against someone for a bigger contract in a different league somewhere.

“I didn’t get heaps of feedback, they enjoyed having me in the group and yeah, they'll be watching for the future. That was sort of the message” Magnay said.

“Grateful I got the opportunity and happy to be back in and around Tassie and looking forward to the season” Magnay said.

Magnay took to the floor for a light practice on Thursday before he joins the Australian Boomers squad ahead of the FIBA Asia

 Qualifiers.

“It’s nice to be back, although not for long. It’s just good to get around the boys and sort of put some names to faces and meet everyone, introduce myself, before I head away for again for the Boomers” Magnay said.

Radford commended Magnay for his strong performances at Summer League with a belief he can play a key role for an NBA team  in the future.

“He walked back into the meeting this morning, and he's got that swagger about him, and he's passionate about being successful with the Jackies. It lifts the group and he’s a huge part of this club right now.

“I'd like to see us as a stop gap for him, and one day his time will come” Radford said.

Magnay will now  join the Australian Boomers Squad for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers before he rejoins the JackJumpers in mid-August.

Guard Nick Marshall touched down in Tasmania earlier this week, after claiming the NZ NBL Championship with Wellington Saints.

WATCH THE JACKJUMPERS PRESS CONFERENCE: Nick Marshall, Will Magnay & Mark Radford 24 July, Mini-cap re-cap. 

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“Definitely excited to be here. It was nice to get the win in New Zealand finish season like that, but now we got the main season start ready to get going” Marshall said.

“It's been amazing. We got a great group with great coaches. It's been a fun week this week, I’m learning a lot and already getting better. I think I'm going to earn what I get, here at practice. The message is just bring it every day at practice and kind of go from there and then my role will kind of depend what the team needs and on any night, that could be different, everyone will step up in a different way.

“Keep growing, keep learning, soak it all in, bring it everyday and see where it can take me and this group” he said.

The playing group including imports Bryce Hamilton and David Johnson will commence the official start of pre-season from August 4.