Welcome Sam McDaniel!

The Tasmania JackJumpers are pleased to announce Sam McDaniel has joined the club on a three-year deal, with a player option on the third year.

McDaniel is coming off a championship winning season with Melbourne United, where he played a key role on the defensive end. The 25-year-old started 24 games for Melbourne this season and has played for the club since 2018.

McDaniel has strong links with Tasmania, as he was born in Hobart and his dad Wayne McDaniel played for the Hobart Devils from 1989–1994.

Tasmania JackJumpers Head Coach Scott Roth said: “We are thrilled to have Sam McDaniel on board with us at the JackJumpers. “We have always said having a Tasmanian flavour is important to us at the JackJumpers and Sam’s homecoming is a prime example of that. He was born in Hobart, his partner is from Burnie and his dad is a Devils legend, so we are excited to see the McDaniel name continue to thrive in Tasmanian basketball.

“Sam is coming off a championship winning season with Melbourne United, so he will bring a championship pedigree to our roster. We want players who are humble, hungry and have a great work ethic and Sam ticks all those boxes.

“We look forward to furthering Sam’s career and we can’t wait for him to get to Tasmania. This is just the first exciting roster announcement that our JackJumpers fans can look forward to in the coming weeks.”

McDaniel said: “It feels amazing, it is a super exciting time with a new club coming into the NBL. I thought it was a great opportunity to get on board and get down to Tassie.

“I feel like it will definitely feel like home once we get down there. My partner has family all over Tassie and my dad played some pretty good ball out there as well all those years ago, so I am looking forward to it.

“I got on the phone with Scott (Roth) to have a chat to get a feel of what he was like and what his vision was for the JackJumpers and I liked a lot of what he was talking about. He is a defensive minded coach and I like that and I take pride in playing defence. I’m looking forward to getting down there with Scott and working with the guys.”

McDaniel becomes the first full rostered contracted player signing for the JackJumpers. Tasmania has also secured Sejr Deans as a Development Player.

Memberships for the Tasmania JackJumpers’ inaugural season are out now and more than 1700 passionate fans have already signed up. To find out more about membership and to join the Ant Army visit www.jackjumpers.com.au/membership.