Why Bannan chose Tasmania

The Tasmania JackJumpers have signed young, emerging Australian Josh Bannan on a two-year deal. 

The former Bullet said the JackJumpers' record of developing players was key in his decision, as he goes into his third season in the NBL.

"My inner circle and I identified that the players that go to Tasmania tend to improve as basketball players. There are a number of people who've come into the club and left a better player than when they arrived, and that is something that is very impressive from an outsider and an environment that I'd love to be inside of," Bannan said.

"I'd just describe myself as someone who's a fierce competitor. I play with a lot of passion, a lot of energy, rebound the basketball and versatile on both ends of the floor."

The 24-year-old had a big impact in Brisbane, averaging 13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds in NBL25.

JackJumpers' General Manager of Basketball Operations, Mika Vukona, spoke on what attracted the club to the talented forward.

"Josh is a really promising Australian talent. We’re excited to bring him into our group and see his development continue," Vukona said.

"Josh has demonstrated great potential and has a strong work ethic which will hope will see him thrive in our program. His addition strengthens our forward rotation and gives us more flexibility both offensively and defensively."

Bannan joins the recently signed Nick Marshall, as well as Will Magnay, Sean Macdonald, Anthony Drmic, Majok Deng and Walter Brown as the club's NBL26 contracted players.