"Chasing hard": JackJumpers circling star guard?

The NBL27 Free Agency period looms as a pivotal one for the Tasmania JackJumpers, with a number of holes in their roster.

As it stands, only Josh Bannan, Sean Macdonald, Nick Marshall, Majok Deng, Ben Ayre, Kobe Williamson and Archie Woodhill are contracted to Scott Roth’s team, meaning a number of those holes are reserved for marquee talents.

One talent that the JackJumpers are reportedly chasing hard, according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, is homegrown talent Taran Armstrong, who is currently playing with Dubai Basketball in the ABA League and EuroLeague.

“The JackJumpers really want Taran Armstrong,” Uluc said on Tuesday’s episode of The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.

“Yes, there are challenges about making that happen [with his current deal with Dubai Basketball], but I don't think they've made it a secret around Tasmania that that is their number one priority.

“They are chasing hard, and they thoroughly want that kid in their building.”

Fellow panellist Derek Rucker knows how big a signing Armstrong, who spent two seasons with Cairns before signing a two-way NBA deal with the Golden State Warriors, will be.

“If they bring him [Armstrong] into the mix, you are you're right there [as a championship contender],” Rucker said.

“I like the fact that Scott Roth does a good job with his roster builds and when they have that crew, they [can] beat anybody.”

Another name that looms key for the JackJumpers this off-season is big man Will Magnay.

“Will Magnay is one that we're keeping an eye on because I've heard in recent days that he was close to re-signing, but also that other teams are being encouraged to put their name in the hat,” Uluc said.

“I'm curious to see what happens with Will Magnay, as team like Melbourne United, Sydney Kings and Cairns don’t have centers.

“This [JackJumpers] team is slowly coming together but the Magnay decision will [determine] how they build the remainder of their roster.”

Rucker echoed Uluc's thoughts, explaining how important re-signing Australian Boomer Magnay would be for the team from the Apple Isle.

“They need him [Magnay] back, [because] you need to maintain some of that championship fibre, with guys that can carry that [winning] recipe forward.

“Magnay is one of those guys, not to mention, I think he is the best big defensive player in the competition.”

The NBL27 Free Agency period opens at 9am AEST on Friday, April 17.