New JackJumpers American duo ready to keep the nest rockin’

Two new JackJumpers have arrived in Hobart with the American duo eager to fill the void of Josh Adams and MiKyle McIntosh.

THE TWO new major pieces of the JackJumpers puzzle for the upcoming season were finally put in place on Monday with new star American duo Milton Doyle and Rashard Kelly arriving in Hobart.

The highly anticipated duo, who will replace outgoing MVP Josh Adams and Canadian MiKyle McIntosh, will be heavily relied upon to keep up the Jackies incredible success in which they reached the NBL Grand Final in their debut season.

Doyle and Kelly’s arrival in the state capped off a fruitful day for the JackJumpers who announced they had sold out their membership packages for home games at MyState Bank Arena for the upcoming season in just 26 minutes.

MERC: Jack Jumpers imports arrive, Rashard Kelly & Milton Doyle . At Mazda Hobart, Campbell St.

Doyle, a 193cm shooting guard, will be thrust into the spotlight with big expectations as the man viewed as the scoring replacement for the departing Adams.

The 28-year-old from Chicago, who played 10 games with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017-18 NBA season, said he was ready for the pressure of being the team’s ‘go-to guy.’

“I think there’s always expectations when you play in a competitive sport so its something “I’ve been used to my whole life and hopefully I can do that [fill the void of Josh Adams],” Doyle said.

“Coach [Roth] will put the ball in my hands and I can make plays and as long as the ball goes through the net I think I can be that [leading scorer] guy too.”

Doyle said he was excited to be in Australia after watching the NBL from afar, and that his focus would be on helping the team continue its winning ways from its fairytale debut season.

“It’s my first time in Australia so I’m looking forward to everything and I’m excited to see what its going to be like this year.

“I've been watching [the NBL] for a couple of years with guys playing here that I’ve played with so I’m excited to be in the league and see what it’s got to offer for me.

“Its only been one year [of the JackJumpers] and I know they’re used to winning so [I’ll be] trying to help out with that.”

MERC: Jack Jumpers imports arrive, Rashard Kelly & Milton Doyle . At Mazda Hobart, Campbell St.

Doyle’s wife Keyara and their two young children also arrived in Tasmania on Monday, which the American said was an exciting time for his family.

“I think I play better when they are around so it’s a great feeling having them around watching and especially the kids seeing everything.

“I talked to coach [Roth] and Josh [Magette] and they explained how the community is here with bringing everyone in and being very inviting so it [family culture] helped me and got me to come here.”

Doyle’s fellow American Kelly, a 201cm forward signed for his toughness and athleticism, said he had also kept a close eye on the NBL and couldn't wait to begin his career as a JackJumper.

“I’m excited about the program here and what we are trying to accomplish and I’m excited to be a part of it,” the 26-year-old said.

“I’ve been following the league for a while since I became professional and I was always intrigued with it and wanted to be a part of the NBL.

“And Tasmania gave me a shot and I said yes with no hesitation.”

MERC: Jack Jumpers imports arrive, Rashard Kelly & Milton Doyle . At Mazda Hobart, Campbell St.

Kelly said he would bring a super competitive mindset to the Jackies.

“I’ve been sharpening my game as always and trying to get better and being more aggressive.

“I’m just gonna be tough and hungry.

“I don’t like losing so whoever I’m matched up against that’s what they’re going to have to deal with.

“I’m a competitor so we could be playing Uno or Monopoly and I’d want to win so I’m a competitor and I’m just going to compete every night.

“I see we have a very good team so I’m excited to see where I fit in.”

With fellow American Josh Magette also arriving in the state on Monday, the JackJumpers will kick of their first official day of pre-season on Thursday.

The new-look JackJumpers will have their first hit out against official opposition in September when they play two practice games against South East Melbourne Phoenix in Ulverstone on September 6 and Launceston on September 8.

With all of its locals and imports now in Tasmania, the JackJumpers only have to finalise their injury replacement player for Will Magnay, as well as their Development Players to complete their roster for NBL23 which begins in October.

Originally published as New JackJumpers American duo ready to keep the nest rockin’