Weeks Rules Out Future NBL Return

After being announced as the newest assistant coach of the Tasmania JackJumpers, 254-game NBL veteran Jarrad Weeks has poured cold water on the prospect of seeing him suited up on an NBL court again.

Due to consistent injury issues to Will Magnay, Clint Steindl and Matt Kenyon last season, the JackJumpers were forced to call upon Isaac White, Tristan Forsyth as injury replacement players early in the campaign.

White’s performances saw him eventually sign on as a development player, while Forsyth departed after just five appearances for the club.

Weeks says even if there were to be an injury crisis, his retirement from the professional game is final.

“I don’t think the days of NBL assistant coaches suiting up is still upon us,” Weeks said.

“It’s a retirement and I’m onto my next role.”

Weeks has played the last two seasons with the JackJumpers, but now it's onto the next generation to stand tall. 

At the time of writing, Steindl, Magnay, Jack McVeigh, Fabijan Krslovic and development players Walter Brown and Josh Tomasi will remain at the club for Weeks’ transition into coaching. 

Weeks sees his ability to see those players as teammates will only aid him in a new role. 

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot,” he said. “Working with those guys a lot to try and build that [team] dynamic, obviously I’m going to use it as a positive.

“I have a great relationship with these guys, I’ve loved playing with these guys.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play for a few teams and some of the greatest basketball coaches the NBL has seen.

“I always wanted to stay at the club … signing this early I’m pretty keen for pre-season to start which is a nice change of pace.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work with the three assistant coaches of last year throughout the year and preparing myself for what was post-basketball.

“’Chancey’ (Jacob Chance) leaving opened up that spot in the coaching staff. I got a call from ‘Rothy’ (Scott Roth) that he was interested, and I jumped right at it.”

Tasmania’s first game of NBL24 will come against the Perth Wildcats on Friday, September 29.