JackJumpers bolster administration with NBL legends

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Former NBL players Mika Vukona and Darren Smith have been named to high-level roles at Tasmania.

Photo: JackJumpers Media

A pair of NBL stalwarts have joined the Tasmania JackJumpers administration. Former Hobart Devil and 200-game player Darren Smith has been named as the club's new Chief Operating Officer and will join the organisation in mid-November, while five-time NBL champion Mika Vukona will oversee the club's basketball and high performance department as General Manager - Basketball Operations.

Smith started his professional playing career with the Hobart Devils, before joining the Sydney Kings and Victoria Titans, and will join the club from his role as CEO of Basketball Australia Pathways.

"It’s just incredible to come full circle and now essentially return to the team where my career in basketball started," Smith said.

"I feel this is an incredible opportunity to bring my skillset to help the JackJumpers further deepen the connection with Tasmanian community, ensure commercial sustainability and of course, vie for championship success."

Vukona currently holds the role of Basketball Operations Consultant with the JackJumpers, and his new role will see him relocate to Tasmania and work for the JackJumpers in a full-time capacity.

The former New Zealand Breaker and Brisbane Bullet played a total of 476 NBL games across four clubs, and he currently sits second in all-time appearances for the Breakers, behind Tom Abercrombie.

He played a crucial role in South Dragons' unlikely rise to the 2009 NBL title before returning to the Breakers to win a further four championships in New Zealand.

"My role is to draw upon my personal experiences and enhance an already strong and respected basketball program," Vukona said.

"I have been part of clubs that have achieved great success and some that haven't. I believe that by being here full-time, I can continue to contribute based on my experiences, further strengthening the existing foundation, and moving us closer to achieving our ultimate goal with this group and for the people of Tasmania."

Tasmania's next game in NBL24 is set to come against the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday, November 4.