Josh Adams’ Return to the NBL Sparks Mixed Emotions with JackJumpers Fans

Former Tasmania JackJumpers star Josh Adams has officially signed with the Brisbane Bullets, igniting a flurry of excitement—and heartbreak—among Tasmanian basketball fans.

After helping guide the JackJumpers to a grand final appearance in their inaugural season, Adams became a beloved figure in Hobart, thanks to his explosive style and knack for clutch plays.

Adams’ move to Brisbane follows a period of speculation and “hoo-ha,” as discussed on the Tasmanian Takeover podcast. During the JackJumpers’ first season, his sensational plays and vocal leadership made him an instant fan favourite. The off-season, however, brought contract-related tensions and uncertainty around his future. Although he ultimately parted ways with Tasmania, he kept his Australian fan base engaged by posting on social media and teasing a possible NBL comeback.

Josh Adams debut for the Bullets

In officially joining the Bullets, Adams steps into a line-up anchored by fellow excitement machines Casey Prather and Keandre Cook. Brisbane has been pushing hard to climb the standings, and Adams’ scoring punch could help them challenge top contenders. Bullets fans have wasted no time in welcoming him with open arms—hoping he can recreate the magic he brought to Hobart. Adams is tipped to play his first game in a Brisbane jersey this weekend against the Sydney Kings.

Back in Hobart, the news has landed differently. Co-hosts of Tasmanian Takeover, Berto and JD, admitted feeling gutted that their former high-flyer will now don navy and gold instead of trademark green. Adams’ No. 14 jerseys are still worn proudly around MyState Arena, reminding everyone just how important he was to the JackJumpers’ Cinderella run.

“He was my first-ever Jackies jersey purchase,” podcast host and Jackies fanboy, JD said. “It’s heartbreaking to see him wearing Brisbane colours, but I hope he goes really well—just not when he’s playing against us!”

A Finals showdown in Tassie?

Despite any lingering disappointment, many Tassie supporters maintain hope that Adams might return one day. Tasmania’s tight-knit community—and head coach Scott Roth’s “family-first” culture—proved a big draw for Adams the first time around. If the Bullets’ stint doesn’t go as planned, fans wonder if the explosive guard could find his way back down south.

For now, though, the JackJumpers are focused on their own playoff ambitions. They’ve pieced together an impressive run of form this season, earning praise across the league for their gritty defense and team-first mentality.

For Adams to face his old side this season, the Brisbane Bullets will need to turn their season around and make playoffs, in what could be a showdown for the ages, with Josh Adams’ return storyline looming large. Prompting us to wonder how Josh would be received at “The Nest”, the Jack Jumpers home court, MyState Arena.