Mentor Magnay guiding the developing Archie Woodhill

Archie Woodhill Embracing Opportunity with the JackJumpers

For young players looking to develop in the NBL, finding the right environment is crucial. Tasmania JackJumpers development player Archie Woodhill is making the most of his opportunity in a system built for growth, surrounded by experienced mentors and strong leadership under head coach Scott Roth.

Woodhill, who was previously part of the Sydney Kings organisation, has found a home in Tasmania, where he’s learning from one of the best offensive and defensive big men in the league—Will Magnay. The 26-year-old Magnay, fresh off an NBL championship and an Olympic campaign with the Boomers, has taken Woodhill under his wing.

“Looking back to the start of the year, it was really a good opportunity to practice against (Will Magnay), coming off winning the title and playing in the Olympics,” Woodhill said. “He is someone I looked up to back when I was at the AIS. I had a video scout and I still have notes on my phone of Will Magnay. It is pretty cool—I showed him that.”

The mentorship has only grown stronger as the season has progressed. Woodhill, who has played limited minutes in four games so far, is taking every chance to learn from his veteran teammate.

“But now, especially this week, he has talked to me and said to be confident and really got in my corner, which is really cool,” he added.

The Mullet Staying put in Tassie

That kind of support has helped Woodhill embrace his role within the JackJumpers, a club that is already building a reputation for giving opportunities to emerging players. Under Roth’s guidance, Tasmania has established itself as a model for development, and Woodhill is set to thrive in the environment until the end of NBL27 after being granted a two-year contract extension as a development player.

“I’ve never really had that sort of security and opportunity before. I love it—I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Woodhill expresses and continues. “The mullet is staying in Tassie. I feel like I’m developing and growing every day through practice, games, and just how the organisation is run. It is unreal so far.”

Woodhill’s stats are decent in the limited NBL court time he has had this season, averaging 3.0 points and 0.8 rebounds in just over six minutes per game— his efficiency (66.7% from the field, 100% from three) and commitment to improvement are signs that he’s on the right track. More importantly, he’s in an environment that values his growth and gives him the confidence to keep developing.

With mentors like Magnay and a strong system in place, Woodhill’s journey in the NBL is just beginning. If his enthusiasm and work ethic are anything to go by, the JackJumpers might have another rising talent on their hands.