NBL: From Taipans playmaker to champion coach: Jarrad Weeks’ ‘unbelievable journey’

JackJumpers assistant coach and former Cairns Taipan Jarrad Weeks just had one of the best days of his life.

JackJumpers celebrate on the final buzzer after winning game five of the NBL Championship Grand Final Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers at John Cain Arena, on March 31, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

JackJumpers assistant coach and former Cairns Taipan Jarrad Weeks just had one of the best days of his life.

The Tasmania JackJumpers clinched their first NBL championship in the most dramatic of fashions, knocking over Melbourne United in game five to conclude an incredible grand final series.

“It’s truly unbelievable to be honest,” Weeks said.

“It’s been a crazy journey to be at this club from its beginnings and to be a part of that championship after three years.

Tasmania JackJumpers Fans at MyState Arena. Picture: Caroline Tan

“Incredibly special not only for our team, but for the entire state, just arriving back home in Tasmania. To see the videos of the excitement on people’s faces at the pubs and bars all over the state.

“Going down to MyState Bank Arena and seeing it filled with 7,000 people, 5,000 had signed up for the event before we’d officially won. It was something that made me extremely proud to represent these people.”

Jarrad Weeks for the Cairns Taipans and Bryce Cotton of the Perth Wildcats during the Round 18 NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and the Cairns Taipans at the Perth Arena in Perth, Friday, February 9, 2018.

Tasmania overcame significant odds to clinch the championship, similar to Weeks’ basketball journey.

Known as ‘Agent 97’, the former point guard rode the highs and lows of professional basketball in Australia – from a DP, to a training player, to barely catching a roster spot and then never letting go.

The NBL story of Weeks is one of persistence and determination, he had to fight hard to make the NBL and showed a certain appreciation to be out on the hardwood floor.

With his strong grind, it’s no coincidence he cites Kobe Bryant as the player that made him fall in love with the game.

Jarrad Weeks of the Taipans is blocked by Derek Cooke Jr of the Wildcats during the round 12 NBL match between the Cairns Taipans and the Perth Wildcats at Cairns Convention Centre on December 31, 2017 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

He cited his time at the Taipans and Marlins from 2016-18 with Aaron Fearne as crucial in developing his coaching philosophy.

“What I learned from Fearne and the assistant coaches up there I’ve carried forward,” he said.

“I still keep in contact with Fearne and he’s a great mentor. The way he looks at the game really opened my eyes when I got up to Cairns, and he definitely extended my career to more than I ever thought it would be.”

The sharpshooter’s energy, passion and no-mercy approach to charging at the rim eventually led him to the JackJumpers in 2021 after their inception in 2020.

Weeks said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to become the fourth-ever signing for the expansion side, snatching the opportunity to build a club from its roots and implement a strong club culture.

He said building those pillars of the JackJumpers culture, including the ‘defend the island’ mantra, became an everyday theme.

Jarrad Weeks of the Jackjumpers looks to make a pass during the round three NBL match between Melbourne United and Tasmania Jackjumpers at John Cain Arena, on October 16, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

Retiring at the end of the 2022-23 season and joining the coaching staff after a decorated 12-year NBL playing career, including 254 NBL games across five clubs.

The 6ft (183cm) playmaker highlighted that JackJumpers, like the Taipans, compete against bigger teams who benefit from bigger budgets, but by focusing on consistent hard work, retaining their core, and strategically recruiting key imports like Marcus Lee and Jordan Crawford, it led to their success.

The JackJumpers celebrate after winning game five of the NBL Championship Grand Final Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers at John Cain Arena, on March 31, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Weeks isn’t the only former Taipan who basked in championship glory this week. Captain Clint Steindl (2012-14), vice-captain Fabijan Krslovic (2018-21), and Majok Deng (2019-23) all suited up for the Orange Army, developing and strengthening their skill sets during various stints in the Far North.

“Clint’s professionalism and work ethic have been outstanding; he leads from the front and lives and breathes who we are as JackJumpers,” Weeks said.

“Fabijan was a solid piece for us playing great defence and hitting big threes.

Majok Deng of the Taipans dunks during the round 17 NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers at Cairns Convention Centre, on January 30, 2023, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

“Majok’s remarkable scoring ability was on show with 15 points in the fourth quarter of game three when the game was looking dire.”

As a former guard, Weeks emphasised the thrill of coaching a back-court of Milton Doyle and Crawford.

“They’re two absolutely incredible athletes and, more importantly, they’re two incredible people. I dare say I’ve learned more from them through their experiences. They’ve both had unbelievable careers.”

Jarrad Weeks of the Jackjumpers addresses the team after the win during the round 17 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Perth Wildcats at MyState Bank Arena, on January 29, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Weeks continues to honour the relentless work ethic that served him as a player, but now with his sights set on becoming an NBL head coach in the future. His journey from an overlooked junior to a championship-winning coach is an inspiration for development players and overlooked juniors to strive for their goals with the sheer hard work and determination Jarrad Weeks continues to embrace.

Originally published as NBL: From Taipans playmaker to champion coach: Jarrad Weeks’ ‘unbelievable journey’