Future JackJumpers on right path in TJJJL, presented MyState Bank

Basketball Tasmania will mark a new era for junior development when thousands of children take the court in the first round of the rebranded Tasmania JackJumpers Junior League (TJJJL), presented by MyState Bank this weekend.

The TJJJL, presented by MyState Bank (formerly the TJBL) will bolster participation, align junior basketball development pathways and support young Tasmanian athletes to aspire to play for their State and for the JackJumpers in the NBL.

Basketball Tasmania CEO Ben Smith said the refreshed brand is an exiting step orward as the sport continues to grow.

“Over 2000 athletes, across more than 200 teams from 16 associations in all parts of Tasmania will take part in the TJJJL this season.

“We’re thrilled that the junior league will be aligned with the JackJumpers and have the support of MyState Bank. The sport continues to go from strength to strength with a 15% increase in overall participants last year” Smith said.

The TJJJL, presented by MyState Bank is divided into Northern and Southern Conferences and provides representative competition for Under 12 to Under 18 Boys and Girls in Tasmania, as well as providing development for coaches and officials through high-quality matches.

Tasmania JackJumpers CO-CEO Christine Finnegan said the partnership and new branding is an important step in the development of the sport.

“The JackJumpers together with Principal Partner MyState Bank will support BTas to continue to increase participation and interest in basketball and provide opportunities for athletes to develop and aspire to play at the elite level.

“We are well on the way to reaching our strategic goal to make basketball the number one junior participation sport in Tasmania by 2024, with now over 16,000 Tasmanians involved in the sport and continuing to grow” Finnegan said.

MyState Bank will encourage young players to be their best on and off the court by providing weekly prizes to junior athletes who embody the JackJumpers’ spirit by displaying good sportsmanship, encouraging their friends, trying their best and showing respect to other players, coaches and officials.

MyState Bank General Manager People, Community and Public Affairs Janelle Whittle said MyState was proud to extend its support from the Tasmania JackJumpers to the TJJJL presented MyState Bank.

“This generation of junior basketballers has an opportunity that hasn’t existed for more than two decades; the chance to play in the NBL for their home team, on a home court, in front of a home crowd,” Mrs Whittle said.

“The TJJJL Presented by MyState Bank will help pave the way for more young Tasmanians to realise their NBL dreams.

“But it’s not just about the elite. The junior league will celebrate all champions, from those who give it their best shot, to those who play with respect, who encourage their mates and are good sports.

“It’s these young basketballers who live the JackJumpers’ spirit, on and off the court, who will be rewarded for their outstanding actions with weekly prizes from MyState Bank.”

MyState Bank are the official banking partner of Basketball Tasmania and the Tasmania JackJumpers, providing general financial education and offers to members.

Following a Grading Tournament over recent weeks, the Northern and Southern Conferences of the TJJJL, presented by MyState Bank will tip-off this weekend at court facilities across the state including Kingborough Sports Centre, Burnie Sports Centre and Deloraine Community Conference.