Kenyon jumps at second season in Tasmania

Underdog, gritty, defensive-minded.

Guard Matt Kenyon wholeheartedly embodies the ethos of the Tasmania JackJumpers and he’ll continue to defend the island in NBL23.

The defensive weapon has inked a one-year contract extension to remain with the JackJumpers for the 2022/23 Hungry Jack’s NBL season.

“It’s been in the works for a while but I’m really pleased to get it done” Kenyon said.

“My mindset was always on Tassie at the end of the day. They gave me an opportunity when no one else did and I’m really thankful for that, and I’m really happy here so I can’t ask for much more.

Kenyon has quickly become a fan favourite in the JackJumpers’ inaugural season with his defensive tenacity, drive to the basket and reliable three-ball shooting.

“I think it’s a really special group, I’ve mentioned before that we play basketball the right way and that’s pretty special in a professional environment, it’s hard to find that” Kenyon said.

“There’s all sorts of things going on in the professional world, you know players playing for [other reasons], whatever the case may be, but here it’s all about the team, it’s all about the culture and it’s just a good group to be around and a great place to come and work so I really enjoy that”.

Head Coach Scott Roth says he has been integral in building strong foundations for the club.

“He’s had a fantastic season for us so far and filled a role we were desperately needing and thought that he could fill. He’s stepped up to the plate all season, he’s worked his tail off and he thoroughly deserves a chance to come back here and continue to grow with us and we’re very fortunate and happy to have him back”.

Averaging 4 rebounds a game and leading the team in plus/minus, Kenyon’s name has been floated in NBL Defensive Player of the Year contention, talk that coach Roth believes is justified.

“We’ve been one of the better defensive teams all year and I would hope he would at least have his name thrown in there. He’s proven all year… the amount of work he’s doing on the ball and guarding for us has been very impactful”.

But Kenyon is just focused on constant improvement and finishing an impressive inaugural season.  

“We’ve had a really good year, even without our marquee guy, Magnay’s been out the majority of the season. We’ve dealt with a lot of things but still has a really good year.”

“These four games are super important. If we can win them, then we’ll look at where things fall and go from there. We can only control us and winning these last four roster games”.

“It’s about continuing to improve, continue to work on my game throughout the off-season and next seasons have an even better season and maybe sign for a multi-year deal”.