Tasmanian Import Hungry to Win

By Dan Woods - NBL Media

Tasmanian import trio Rashard Kelly, Milton Doyle and Josh Magette landed in Tasmania on Monday and all have one goal in mind in this season's NBL competition - win. 

While Magette was a crucial cog in the JackJumpers’ unlikely run to the NBL grand final last season, Kelly and Doyle will experience the competition for the first time, when they take to the floor in the green strip of their new side.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">?????? <a href="https://t.co/ni8kdV9gNP">https://t.co/ni8kdV9gNP</a> <a href="https://t.co/m9Oncw0YOy">pic.twitter.com/m9Oncw0YOy</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1559084260187066369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Tasmania head coach Scott Roth is well on record as wanting gritty, grinding players who are ‘hungry and humble’, and although it’s early days, Kelly certainly seems to fit that mould.

“The opportunity to grow as a player and a professional, how things are orchestrated throughout the days, I’m excited to be able to take advantage of all the advances in that,” Kelly said.

“I’m just going to be tough and hungry. I don’t like losing so whoever I’m matched up against that’s just what they have to deal with.

“I’m a competitor. We could be playing Uno or Monopoly and I want to win.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get me to Australia ASAP</p>&mdash; Rashard Kelly (@WizKellyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/WizKellyy/status/1557664944950231040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Still just 26 years of age, Kelly’s journey as a professional basketballer has already taken him to all corners of the globe.

Initially beginning his career in Russia after going undrafted to the NBA, Australia is the fifth stop on his journey that has also included stints in Italy, Turkey and France.

He says he’s seen the NBL as a genuine destination for the last few years.

“I’ve been following the league for a while - since I became professional. I’ve always been intrigued by it and I’ve always wanted to be a part of the NBL. Tasmania gave me a shot and I said yes with no hesitation,” Kelly said.

“I’m excited about the program you guys [have] got here and the things you’re trying to accomplish. I’m excited to be a part of it."

Despite only just arriving in the country, Kelly and his fellow imports are rip-roaring and ready to dive head-first into pre-season.

Kelly, whose signing was announced in late June, has been using the last six weeks to give himself the best opportunity to take the NBL by storm.

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“I’ve been sharpening my game as always and trying to get better,” he said.

“Making those shots I missed so I don’t miss them anymore, being more aggressive, having a different mental approach, working on my body as well. This summer I’ve been working.

“I’ve been in this situation before as a player and a professional. You just have to bring the best of what you’ve got to the table.”