NBL/NBA Summer League: Scott Roth on Will Magnay, Jack McVeigh
The Tasmania JackJumpers have confirmed what the future holds for star big man Will Magnay after his exploits in the NBA’s Summer League.
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Will Magnay will remain with the Tasmania JackJumpers for the upcoming NBL season.
The club confirmed on Tuesday, the 27-year-old big man would return to the Apple Isle later this week as preparations ramp up for the upcoming season.
Magnay had been touted for a possible return to the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies after spending the Summer League campaign with the franchise.
He concluded his time in the competition with a strong performance in the last game on Monday, finishing with nine points, eight rebounds and three blocked in 22 minutes.
Speaking after his signature was confirmed, Magnay said he was excited about what the future had in store.
“Summer League was an amazing and really valuable opportunity for me; I loved the experience. But I’m now excited to get home and get after it with the new group,” Magnay said.
“I’m excited about the guys that we’ve got coming in this season, I think it can be a really, strong, competitive group and I can’t wait to lock in with them and prepare for another season in Tassie.”
Magnay will be part of the Jackies’ mini-camp this week before jetting off to join the Australian Boomers preparations ahead of the FIBA Asian Cup.
JackJumpers teammates Sean Macdonald and Josh Bannan are also in the 14-man squad alongside former Tassie fan favourite Jack McVeigh.
“We congratulate Will on a fantastic Summer League campaign. It’s an incredible opportunity to play with and against some of the best talent in the world, and Will put in some great performances over there,” JackJumpers general manager of basketball, Darren Smith said.
“Of course, we’re absolutely thrilled to welcome him back to Tasmania and to have him as a crucial part of our team this season and to watch him play a big role for the Boomers as well.”
EARLIER
The Tasmania JackJumpers are expected to know where big man Will Magnay’s future lies as early as Tuesday according to coach Scott Roth.
Magnay has spent the off-season in the United States, completing his NBA Summer League experience with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday as he vies for a place back into the NBA.
He previously played some games for the New Orleans Pelicans and was using the tournament where NBA draftees and hopefuls showcase their skills as a way onto the Memphis roster.
Speaking on his first day back for NBL pre-season, Roth said he had a “gut feeling” about which direction the decision would go.
“We’ll have information on him tomorrow,” he said.
“And at that point we’ll see where it goes.”
Former JackJumpers sharpshooter Jack McVeigh has consistently been linked with a return to Tassie after he was released from his two-way contract by the Houston Rockets.
McVeigh spent Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks alongside fellow Aussie Jack White where he showcased his sublime shooting from three-point range.
But Roth isn’t expecting him to return to the Apple Isle.
“His focus right now is to get through the NBA and right now that’s all he’s concentrating on,” he said.
“We’ve obviously let him go down that route. For him, his dream he is still chasing. He’s done a nice job in Summer League.
“He’s very much focused on the NBA. Hopefully he gets another two-way or onto a roster.
“This is his moment to make as much money as possible and get some stability for his family.”
Roth spoke about the changes to the roster in the off-season with the club entering a new season without a returning import for the first time.
“We added a lot of different versatility this year and we made a point of trying to accumulate a few better offensive players, some shooters, same ball handlers,” he said.
“We really think we’ve done a nice job, especially in the local market, of having a foundational group that will hopefully stay with us for a while.”
Originally published as NBL/NBA Summer League: Scott Roth on Will Magnay, Jack McVeigh
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