Bryce of admission: Hamilton vows to put on a show

Familiar NBL connections helped make Bryce Hamilton’s move to the Tasmania JackJumpers a simple decision.

Only three years removed from college, Hamilton has already impressed in stints across Greece and Germany. Now, the 24-year-old is ready for his next chapter with the JackJumpers, vowing to "Defend The Island."

“The first person that reached out was my teammate in Germany, Pedro Bradshaw (formerly Cairns Taipans). He told me Tasmania was interested and we talked about their playing style and how he thought it would fit me,” Hamilton said on NBL Now.

“I also spoke with Jack White (formerly Melbourne United), who I played with on the South Bay Lakers. He said a lot of good things about Tasmania and the NBL. That was the icing on the cake.”

Hamilton says he’s well aware of Australia’s basketball pedigree, and he’s thrilled by the chance to compete in one of the top leagues in the world. 

“I know the basketball culture is really big out there,” he said, just a day out from making the trip from California to Tasmania.

“There’s a lot of talent that has come out of Australia, and the NBL is a very respected league. I just can’t wait to go out there and prove myself.”

Hamilton put up 17.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in his latest campaign with the Rostock Seawolves in Germany’s Bundesliga, continuing to build a case for an eventual shot at the NBA. He also gained valuable experience alongside White in the G League, where he logged 90 games across two seasons.

And as for what he’ll bring to the JackJumpers:

“Just a player that always competes,” Hamilton said.

“I compete every single possession and I’m someone that’s able to play-make for myself and for my teammates, score at all three levels and defend at a high level as well.

“I’m really excited. Talking to Coach Scott Roth and everything, what we have planned for this year, I’m just really excited. We’ve got a great group of guys and I know we’re gonna compete and play hard every single night.

“After this season in Germany, a couple of NBL teams reached out and Tasmania was one of them. Everything sounded good, so I thought that would be the best fit. Just already knowing about the league and guys that have played in the league, this would be good exposure and a great opportunity for me for sure.”

Hamilton is eager to soak up the electric atmosphere at MyState Bank Arena and connect with the passionate Tasmanian fans.

“I heard that it is always sold out and a good crowd and everything, but I just can’t wait to get out there,” he said.

“I always like to put on a good show and I know the team is gonna do well. We’re all gonna make the fans happy and defend the island.”