Tasmania JackJumpers NBL26 MVP crowned at the club’s night of nights

Young-gun Josh Bannan has inked his name in the JackJumpers history books, winning the team’s NBL26 Most Valuable Player award at a gala event in Hobart last night.

It was an epic first season at the club for Bannan, who notched his 50^th NBL game, smashed records and topped-the-tally on almost every player metric.

General Manager of Operations Darren Smith said the team couldn’t have asked for a better debut season at the JackJumpers from Bannan.

“We knew Bannan had talent before we signed him, and he’s just gone from strength to strength under our coaches,” Smith said. “His work-rate is incredible, with more than 1,000 minutes of court time this season.

“His numbers speak for themselves across the regular season, Bannan was the highest points scorer with 510, accumulated the highest rebounds with 316 and was third highest in assists with 76.

“He’s also rewritten the club’s record books, with the highest points scored in a season in our history and collecting 14 games with double points and double rebounds this season - the club’s double-double record.

Fellow JackJumpers debutant Nick Marshall also had a decorated night, winning both the Coaches’ Award and the Players’ Player Award.

“It takes a really special someone to win the top votes from the players and the coaches too, and Marshall certainly is something special,” Roth said. “We thought we had struck gold when we signed him this season and we were right; he’s really grown in our system.

“He’s the perfect example of grinding away and getting better every single game. I know that there’s still more growth to come and that’s what’s so exciting for all of us.”

Team Captain Will Magnay won the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Majok Deng won the hearts and votes of the fans, taking out the Fan Favourite Award for the second year in a row. Outgoing CEO Christine Finnegan was awarded the Spirit of the JackJumpers award for her extraordinary contribution to the club over the past five seasons.
 

The JackJumpers NBL26 Award Recipients

Spirit of the JackJumpers Award                                   Christine Finnegan

Fan Favourite                                                                 Majok Deng

Coaches’ Award                                                             Nick Marshall

Players’ Award                                                               Nick Marshall

Defensive Player of the Year                                         Will Magnay

Most Valuable Player                                                      Josh Bannan