Nick Stoddart returns for Hungry Jack's NBL27

The Tasmania JackJumpers squad for Hungry Jack’s NBL27 is officially locked, with the signing of Injury Replacement Player and familiar face Nick Stoddart.  

The JackJumpers have eight returning players and three new faces including Ben Gold, Dakota Mathias and Taran Armstrong, along with two new Development Players.  

Coach Scott Roth is not making any predictions but said it was a quality team.  

“It’s like putting a puzzle together, and now we have the last piece of that puzzle,” Roth said of signing Stoddart.  

“Now, it’s about settling the players back into Tassie and building that chemistry in the playing group. 

“This is another group of high-character players, and now it’s all about taking what looks good on paper and proving that on the court.” 

Bringing Stoddart back into the fold was an easy decision for Roth and the coaching staff when they considered options to fill a spot while Bryce Hamilton recovers from an ACL injury.  

The team had kept a close eye on Stoddart, who backed himself and took a leap of faith across the ditch to play in the NZNBL as an Import Guard for the Tauranga Whai.  

“The fact he went to New Zealand, outside his comfort zone, and took a risk on himself, made a big impression on me,” Roth said.  

“To step up as the Import and as Point Guard was a big role, a big responsibility, and it’s clearly built his game and his confidence too. 

“I’m really happy to have him back. This isn’t about replacing Hamilton, it’s about adding another quality player to our group, and more depth and versatility for us.” 

Stoddart said couldn’t wait to return to Tasmania and the JackJumpers.  

“I love Tassie and this team, it’s where I started my NBL career, and that means a lot,” Stoddart said.  

“It’s really easy to play with a group of guys who are all committed and bond off court really well, and the fans here are one of a kind. 

“It’s a privilege to lace up your shoes, play basketball and call it your job, it’s all I’ve dreamed of my whole life.  

“I think I’m returning fitter and stronger, definitely mentally stronger, than last season.  

“I learned a lot in New Zealand. Scott (Roth) is always saying that it’s your brain that will take you as far as you can in this game, so I’m always trying grow my basketball IQ.” 

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