Tassie talent Barker signs on as extended roster player

The Tasmania JackJumpers are thrilled to announce the signing of Tasmanian Lachlan Barker as a Nominated Replacement Player for the 2023/24 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season.

Hailing from Somerset in Tasmania’s North, 6’2 Barker joins his home State’s team after playing 14 games with South East Melbourne Phoenix in NBL22 as a Development Player and making an impact as an NRP in 15 games for Melbourne United last season.

“We’re really excited to bring Lachlan into the JackJumpers family. We think this is the perfect environment for him to grow as a player and thrive in a supportive environment in his home state” Co-CEO Jorrick Chivers said.

Barker is contracted as a Nominated Replacement Player and will train full-time as part of the 15-man squad. In line with NBL rules, NRPs can be elevated to the active roster and suit up for games if another player is injured.

“While Lachie is over the maximum age for a Development Player, the NRP system is a great way of being able to bring in a really solid guy like Lachie, that we think will fit in really well with the group and embodies that grit and grind mentality that has become our trademark” Chivers said.

27-year-old Barker developed his craft as a junior with Penguin Basketball Club and has long been recognized as one of the state's most promising basketball talents.

“Lachlan adds depth to our backcourt as a creator and proven scorer at the NBL1 level. He has had to work hard his whole career to get opportunities at the NBL level and that fits perfectly with the JackJumpers DNA” CEO Jorrick Chivers said.

“He wants to prove he belongs at this level and we are excited to get him into our group”.

The dynamic guard has most recently played for Frankston Blues in the NBL1 South where he averaged 13 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per game.

Barker arrives in Tasmania on Monday 24^th July to begin the JackJumpers’ ‘mini camp’, where all local players will integrate into the club’s program in a four-day intensive camp before several players take part in the FIBA World Cup for their respective home countries.