Richards rewarded with Development Player Contract

The Tasmania JackJumpers are delighted to announce the signing of Tasmanian talent Jacob Richards as a Development Player for the 2023/24 NBL season.

Richards has been consistently practicing with the Tasmania JackJumpers over the past two seasons as a training player, matching it with roster players and continually striving to improve himself both personally and professionally.

Head Coach Scott Roth said the contract is due reward for Richards, who has embodied the values of the JackJumpers.

“This kid has been showing up every day for two years with no expectations for a spot and he just gives everything and constantly wants to be better every day.

“He came to me to ask to train again this season, again with no expectations and he continues to challenge these guys, embrace our values, and just be a really valuable guy both on and off the floor. I think he wholeheartedly deserves this and I’m really pleased he can now call himself a true JackJumper” Roth said.

The news of the contract offer was announced at a team meeting during the club’s mini-camp which brought together the local contingent of JackJumpers Players last week.

22-year-old Richards was called up and asked to define the club’s mantra ‘Defend the Island’, which he said was the club representing the Tasmanian people in everything they do.

“It was emotional for him, and for me as well. I’m really proud of him” Roth said.

“He really does define that Defend the Island mantra not just as a Tasmanian, but importantly he displays the gritty, relentless, selfless, hardworking attitude we pride ourselves on as JackJumpers. This is a really special moment for this club” Roth said.

Richards said he’s thrilled to be a part of the program full time.

“It’s a dream come true, I’m really proud of the work I’ve put in over the last two years and I’m really excited to continue to grow with the group. I did not see that announcement coming at all, so it was just a whirlwind of emotion, it’s something I’ll never forget and I’m excited to go to work and truly feel part of the club” Richards said. 

Richards was awarded the Coaches Award in the recent Hobart Chargers club awards following his NBL1 season in which he averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game.