Tasmania's "Diamond in the Rough"

By Dan Woods - North Media
Photo: Tasmania JackJumpers Media

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has backed Josh Tomasi to be one of the surprise packets of NBL23. 

Tomasi enters the program as a development player, following two years with St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

The 20-year-old was selected during the the JackJumpers' inaugural DP trials earlier this month. 

“He’s (Tomasi) going to be a big surprise to be honest with you. He’s been off the radar for about a year because of Covid and nobody really knows about him,” coach Scott Roth said.

“No one has seen him other than us and I think we have a diamond in the rough that could really be productive with us in his next year or two.

“He’s a tremendous kid and a big, tough athlete … he’s a big, rolling, athletic, strong, powerful kid that’s just scratching the surface … I think he’s someone we’ll invest in and see how he goes in the next year or two.”

Photo: Tasmania JackJumpers Media

Originally from Melbourne, Tomasi earned a reputation at St. Cloud as a ferocious presence in the paint, on both ends of the floor. Roth described the youngster as a "diamond in the rough". 

“I was waiting for an opportunity at the right moment and I was confident going into [the trials]. I was just wanting to show what I was capable of,” Tomasi said.

“The right moment presented itself to me and to be part of this great organisation is exciting.”

Roth is also excited by the prospects of fellow recruit, Tristan Forsyth, who is set to provide cover for injured big man Will Magnay. 

“He’s been in a good system over there with South East [Melbourne] and he was hungry when he came in here for our workouts,” Roth said.

“It just gives us another big body to do something different to Jock (Perry). Tristan’s much more of a roller who will put pressure on the rim and allow Josh (Magette) and our guards to have a target.”