Isaac committed to playing the White way

With a mullet to rival his new Head Coach, Isaac White has fitted right in at the Tasmania JackJumpers.

White has been signed as an injury replacement player with the JackJumpers as Captain Clint Steindl recovers from a knee injury sustained during the Boomers FIBA Asia Cup campaign.

The 24-year-old Free Agent jumped at the opportunity to join last season’s Grand Finalists.

“There was interest [elsewhere] for sure, teams aren’t necessarily done with signings. But this was an opportunity that I saw working out for me, I like the fit and I’m excited at having a chance at playing” White said.

“[My role] is not going to be a complete replacement of Clint, obviously I’m not the captain, he’s a different stature, but I’ll bring what I bring to the group and hopefully that will fill some of the void that he leaves.

“I’m just going to focus on me, and hopefully he gets healthy when he gets healthy”.

The 6’2 guard jumped right into preseason practice after arriving in the State, joining a number of players at an informal session on Thursday.

“Clint reached out right away, he’s been awesome. Even like he sent me a map of how to get here and where to park, which I really appreciate.

“Hopefully I’ll shoot the ball well, it’s something I hang my hat on. The respect I grew in Illawarra is just how I go about the game. Play hard, play with energy and passion”.

White admits he admired the JackJumpers' culture when playing for former club, Illawarra Hawks.

“I remember being at the hotel when we played them in Launceston, they were all having breakfast together.. I’m not necessarily used to that, and that’s the sort of stuff I noticed and I’m pretty excited to be part of it”.

“From the outside looking in, there were questions about this group last year but they made the Grand Final last year for a reason, like you feel it when you play them, they play basketball the right way, they’re a tight knit group”.

White is no stranger his new home venues having played at MyState Bank Arena and the Launceston Silverdome multiple times last season.

The former Hawk is thrilled to now have the backing of the passionate JackJumpers fans.  

“The fanbase I have known for a while is great, obviously sold out every game I’ve seen from last year. The atmosphere when I played here last year was awesome.. it made a difference so I’m super excited to be a part of that” White said.

As for the iconic hairstyle, White is biding his time before comparing notes with Coach Roth.

“Haven’t discussed the haircut yet, we’ll get there. It’s day one, so just being myself for now”.