Sharpshooter DJ is back for Hungry Jack's NBL27

Standout import David “DJ” Johnson is back to Defend the Island, returning to the Tasmania JackJumpers on another one-year contract for NBL27. 

The 25-year-old sharpshooter from Louisville, Kentucky, had a debut season of highs and lows with the JackJumpers in NBL26.  

After being sidelined with a calf injury early in the season, DJ returned with fury including a 33-point game against the Breakers that comprised seven from 11 beyond the arc.  

Tasmania JackJumpers Coach Scott Roth said he was very happy to have DJ return.  

“He’s showed a lot of promise at the end of the season,” Roth said. “Unfortunately, he had a slow start with injury, and finding his way in his first experience of being overseas.  

“But, we know he has a lot of growth ahead of him. We love his ability to shoot ball, he’s becoming more dynamic in the pick and roll, and can be one of our better defenders also.  

“He gives us really good versatility in the wing spot, and some good size.  His upside is what excites us most about him.” 

General Manager of Basketball Operations Darren Smith said having the continuity of a returning import was valuable to the club.  

“You build a lot of trust in a year, and now we can really build on that among the playing group and coaches too,” Smith said.  

“We’ve only just started to scratch the surface on his potential.  

“There were multiple games where he was our leading scorer. He can shoot really, really well, and he’s aggressive at getting to the basket.  

“We firmly believe he has another gear to go to, and that’s so exciting for us and the team.”