Tasmania JackJumpers Brace for AFL Impact and Revamp Recruitment Strategy
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One on One with Tasmania JackJumpers COO Darren Smith
As Tasmania's sports landscape evolves with the impending arrival of the Tasmania Devils in the AFL, the Tasmania JackJumpers are preparing for a seismic shift in competition for fan engagement and local talent. Chief Operations Officer Darren Smith recently spoke about how the NBL team plans to adjust and how their recruitment strategy is evolving for the upcoming season.
Adjusting to AFL Competition
The Tasmania Devils' entry into the AFL presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the JackJumpers. While basketball has seen significant growth in Tasmania, the AFL remains a dominant force in Australian sports culture. Smith acknowledged this reality, stating, “The AFL is coming, and they’re a behemoth. It’s something we can’t ignore.”
The JackJumpers have built a strong connection with their fans, boasting one of the most passionate supporter bases in Australian basketball. However, Smith admitted that competition for attention, sponsorships, and young talent will increase once the Devils take the field.
“I guess the challenges come in three to four years when the AFL starts to pick up. We know how big footy is, especially in Tasmania, and we’re already thinking about how we continue to grow as a basketball club while coexisting with a powerhouse like the AFL.” he explained.
To combat this, the JackJumpers are doubling down on their community engagement, grassroots development, and marketing efforts.
“We have to make sure that we don’t lose that connection with the community. That’s what made this club special from the start, and we’re going to reinforce that even more now,” Smith added.
A Shift in Recruitment Strategy
Beyond the off-court adjustments, the JackJumpers are also looking at reshaping their roster for the upcoming NBL season. This year’s recruitment saw some hits and misses, with high expectations placed on key signings that didn’t quite pan out as planned.
Smith admitted, “There were a couple of key signings that were slightly missed last year. The Craig Sword situation and then bringing in Ian Hummer—it didn’t really work out the way we thought. Injuries played a part, but we’re taking a different approach this time around.”
With several players out of contract, the JackJumpers are focused on targeting talent that better aligns with the team’s system and culture. Smith hinted that this year’s approach will be more methodical and data-driven. “We’re not just looking for talent—we’re looking for players that fit our system, our work ethic, and our culture. We’ve got an unbelievable coaching staff and high-performance team, and recruitment is going to reflect that.”
One of the biggest challenges the JackJumpers face is balancing local talent development with securing top-tier imports. Smith mentioned that the club is keen to avoid the mistakes of last season by ensuring they bring in players who can make an immediate impact.
“There are some incredible players floating around in the NBL, both locally and internationally. We need to make sure we’re getting the right ones to complement our core group.”
The Future of Tasmanian Basketball
Despite the looming AFL presence, Smith remains optimistic about the JackJumpers’ future. The club has built a resilient and competitive team in a short span, and he believes they will continue to thrive in Tasmania’s evolving sports market. “We’ve got something special here, and we’re not slowing down. The AFL might be coming, but we’re here to stay.”
With a renewed focus on recruitment, a deepened commitment to the community, and a clear strategy for maintaining their foothold in Tasmania, the JackJumpers are positioning themselves to not just survive—but thrive—in this new era of Tasmanian sport.
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