Tassie Tre ready to rep home colours

Tre Armstrong has donned Tasmanian colours many times before. The talented North West Coast athlete was born into Tasmanian basketball royalty and fulfilled the family dynasty early, representing his home state in numerous junior teams in his formative years.

But pulling on a Tasmania JackJumpers jersey feels different for the emerging Guard.

"I always wanted to play for Tasmania at some point in my [professional] career. I had no real idea if it was going to be this soon, but I'm really lucky to have this opportunity and to stay home among friends and family” he said.

“Being Tasmanian is just different, there’s something special about coming from here. When you leave it’s always exciting to come back.

“I was just blessed to have this opportunity come up and to be able to join such a notable spot for developing players and growing their game" he said.

The 23-year-old has recently returned from the US after graduating from his Senior Year at California Baptist, where he played a key role in the Division 1 College’s Basketball Program, alongside younger brother Taran.

"Playing in California was a really cool experience. I learned a lot about the game of basketball and about life. Without that experience, I may not be in this position to have this opportunity”.

Tre has been contracted as a Development Player for the 2023/24 season. He understands the work in front of him coming into the third year of the expansion franchise.

"The success of the team in the first two seasons has been pretty special. Being a part of that is obviously great, and I think the program's goal was to use those first two years as a stepping stone to bigger things, aiming to win championships.

"Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a very hungry competitor. I take a lot of pride in my ability, and I want to come into practice each day and show people that I'm there to compete and try to earn my minutes” he said.

"The existence of the JackJumpers has brought more people in the community to basketball. More non-basketball families are becoming passionate about the sport because of the platform the team has created.

Armstrong is currently playing for the North West Tasmania Thunder in the NBL1, averaging 14 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.25 assists per game.

It’s a familiar sight for North West basketball fans who watched Tre’s father Ben Armstrong light up the NWBU in over 500 games for Burnie.

For many of those games, a young Tre watch from the sidelines, and he’s now looking forward to coming full circle and continuing the Armstrong legacy.

"Being able to play in front of friends and family is something I haven't had the privilege of having over the last four years.

“It's just another added bonus, and I'm excited to be in Tasmania right now."

"My family has always been pushing me to take this opportunity, and they understand the benefits that come with it. They've been nothing but supportive, and it's great that they get to see me play for my home state."

Tre is already working with JackJumpers Assistant Coach, Mark Radford in the North West as he prepares to join the official preseason in August.

"He's been my coach and mentor since I was a young kid playing basketball. The opportunity to be under his guidance every day and to understand that I'm not a finished product, but I want to see how good I can be as a basketball player, ends up being a no-brainer."