The NBL rumour mill has linked Will Magnay to being the Tasmania JackJumpers franchise player for weeks and today the team announced it had indeed signed the former New Orleans Pelicans player to a one-year contract.
“I’m really excited. It’s a really unique opportunity to join a new franchise and start a new culture. Most NBL teams reached out to me this season but the biggest thing for me was where am I going to develop and whats going to be a challenge for me and what will excite me and Tassie struck all three.” said Magnay.
Magnay signed a two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans last December and made his NBA debut in March against the Los Angeles Lakers. Three weeks after his appearance against the Lakers, where he went scoreless in three minutes of court time, he was waived by the Pelicans.
During his time with the Pelicans, he also played for the team’s G-League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks, in the NBA G-League, averaging 9.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over 10 games.
The 23-year-old returned to play for the Perth Wildcats after being released mid-season by the Pelicans. The 208cm, 23-year-old joined Perth in May just in time for the Wildcats’ tilt at the title, which ended in defeat to Melbourne United.
Previously he played for his hometown squad, the Brisbane Bullets from 2017-2020, cementing himself as one of the league’s best big men, winning the Most Improved Player award and coming second in the Best Defensive Player voting in 2020.
Magnay struggled statistically in his stint with the Wildcats due to carrying an ankle injury. As a result, his production saw a significant drop from 8 points and 6 rebounds in 2020 with the Bullets to 5 points and 4 rebounds while in Perth, but Magnay is expected to be healthy come 2021-22 after undergoing successful surgery last week to remove bone spurs from his ankle. His recovery time is expected to be six weeks.
JackJumpers coach Scott Roth is determined to recruit a team that gives Magnay every ability to showcase his NBA level talent.
“We want to surround Will with shooters to give him the space to do what he does well. He’s a high flyer and a developing three-point shorter. Developing these skills are all within my wheelhouse having worked with Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Jonas Valanciunas on these skills and working with him daily we’re going to make him the best player he can be and get him to where he wants to go” said Scott Roth.
Magnay has made it clear he is focused on bringing success to the Apple Isle but that his long term plans are to return to the NBA and that he believes Roth is the best coach in the NBL to help him get there.
“I believe I am an NBA player and obviously it’s a lot of hard work by my goals are to get back there,” said Magnay.
“I spoke to John Mooney and Mitch Norton who had played under Scott before and they all spoke highly of Scott and prior to signing he hit me with some honest truths and hit me with some hard facts with what needs to happen in my career and I needed to hear that” said Magnay
Magnay joins Jarred Bairstow, Jack McVeigh, Sam McDaniel, Clint Steindl and Sejr Deans (development player) on the JackJumpers’ roster for the 2021/22 Hungry Jack’s NBL season.
Magnay also believes bringing a number of players across to Tassie from the Perth Wildcats will help them hit the court with a winning culture from day one.
“We wanted to recruit good people and the boys from Perth come from a winning culture and it will help us integrate a winning culture here,” said Magnay.
Magnay confirmed he is thrilled to be joining the NBL’s newest team in what will be their debut NBL season.
“After speaking to Scott Roth and the team, it became clear to me that the JackJumpers were the best option for me to improve, win and eventually try and get back to the NBA.
“Scott has a wealth of NBA experience which will not only help my personal growth, but also help the entire squad as we try to win a championship for Tasmania.”
JackJumpers Head Coach Scott Roth can’t wait to step onto the court with Will Magnay on board.
“I have been a huge fan of Will since his days in Brisbane and firmly believe he has the potential to be one of Australia’s best big men. Will is an NBA talent and his best days are still ahead of him.
“Will had a taste of the NBA earlier this year and I want to help him get back there. Having worked with the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Kristaps Porzingis and Jonas Valanciunas in the past, I believe myself and the team at the JackJumpers will give Will the best preparation to get him back to the NBA.
“Due to the pandemic and some injury hiccups, Will’s progression has been slowed slightly but we can’t wait to get him back to his best and see him perform at a high level with the JackJumpers. A healthy Will Magnay is a force to be reckoned with and we are delighted that he is a JackJumper.”
For other NBL off-season movements visit our NBL Free Agent Tracker.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
