From Wynyard to the Warriors: Taran Armstrong Becomes Tasmania’s First NBA Player

Taran Armstrong all business

Wynyard, Tasmania – The small coastal town of Wynyard has produced its fair share of basketball talent over the years, but none have ever reached the pinnacle of the sport—until now.

Taran Armstrong, a name well known in Tasmanian basketball circles, has officially signed with the Golden State Warriors, making him the first-ever Tasmanian to earn a spot in the NBA. The 22-year-old point guard’s rise from local club courts to the biggest basketball league in the world is nothing short of remarkable and marks a huge milestone for Australian basketball.

A Proud Moment for Wynyard and the Armstrong Family

For Armstrong’s uncle and mentor, Sam Armstrong—head coach of the Northwest Thunder and a Wynyard Wildcats legend himself—this moment is as personal as it is historic.

“We always knew Taran had the talent and the work ethic to make it to this level, but when it actually happens, when it’s real, it just blows you away,” Sam Armstrong told the Tasmanian Takeover podcast.

“The town of Wynyard is buzzing. The whole Armstrong family, his parents, Ben and Melanie, we’re all just so incredibly proud. It’s hard to put into words what this means for basketball in Tasmania.”

Armstrong received the news early Monday morning via a text from his brother, Ben.

“I got a message at 6 a.m. before the news broke. I think we all thought this was coming, but when it’s actually here, it’s surreal,” said Armstrong.

Taran’s Journey: From Tasmania to the NBA

Taran Armstrong’s journey to the NBA has been one of perseverance and dedication. A standout player in the U.S. college system, he built a reputation as an elite playmaker and high-IQ guard, attracting interest from professional leagues worldwide.

After going undrafted in 2024, Armstrong continued to grind, Armstrong returned to Australia to play professionally for the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League (NBL). Over two seasons (2023–2025), he averaged 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

His performance caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors. This signing made him the first Tasmanian-born player to secure an NBA contract.

A Boom for Tasmanian Basketball

Taran Armstrong’s signing is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a defining moment for Tasmanian basketball.

The island state has been experiencing a basketball renaissance since the arrival of the Tasmania JackJumpers in the NBL, but Armstrong’s breakthrough to the NBA takes things to another level.

“He’s proof that Tasmanians can make it to the very top,” said Sam Armstrong. “For every kid playing on a local court in Devonport, Burnie, Hobart—Taran has just kicked that door wide open.”

The Northwest region has been a hotbed for emerging talent, with players like Kai Savage (Brisbane Bullets), Lachie Barker (NBL1), and Reyne Smith and Jacob Furphy (U.S. college system) all making waves. But Taran Armstrong’s leap to the NBA sets a new benchmark.

What’s Next for Armstrong?

Taran Armstrong this week visited his hometown before jetting off to California, even managing to squeeze in a Wildcats game before his flight. "He came over to the Wynyard game, last night. And just know that in a little suburban rural basketball stadium in Wynyard, there's an NBA player standing right in that stadium. Yeah, look, it's crazy." Sam Armstrong beamed.

Armstrong will likely begin with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League, with hopes of earning NBA minutes as the season progresses.

Tasmanian basketball fans will now have an NBA team to support, keeping a close eye on Armstrong’s journey as he represents the Apple Isle on the world’s biggest basketball stage.

And for the town of Wynyard?

We don’t think anyone is going to be supporting the Lakers anymore. Wynyard is all Warriors fans now.