Jamarra Ugle-Hagan details passion for NBL, declares himself certain starter for Western Bulldogs’ elimination final

Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has revealed how his passion for the NBL has helped with his rise to AFL stardom as he went toe-to-toe in a basketball battle with one of his idols.

Star Western Bulldogs key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is over the illness that kept him off the training track on Thursday night and has declared himself a certain starter for the Doggies’ cutthroat elimination final clash with Hawthorn.

The 22-year-old was a notable absentee from last night’s session but says he was “just a bit unwell” and his “energy’s up” as the Bulldogs rest up during the bye week.

“I feel good,” he said at Friday’s NBL SuperCoach launch in Melbourne.

“Obviously I was a bit unwell but I’m just going to go ahead and train tomorrow.

“I was in (at the club on Friday), which is good, but the energy’s up and pretty excited for next week.”

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at the NBL SuperCoach launch. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Ugle-Hagan admits he’s among those who have been caught up in the young Hawks’ exhilarating playing style and wild goal celebrations, dubbed Hok Ball by the club’s social media team.

“I love watching the Hawks play, especially the celebrations … I know most of them,” he said.

“Jack Ginnivan, good mates with him.

“Really good team, and they’re underrated, so we just have to go there and hopefully play well.”

Ugle-Hagan, whose wonky radar has resulted in 43.34 in front of goal this season, said, during bye week, he’d taken stock of his campaign and refocused.

“I’ve had a little look at myself … my performance,” he said.

“We’ve made the finals, which I’m happy with, but, with the personal side of things, I’d love to try kick a bit straighter but there’s definitely certain goals I’d like to look at, especially watching last night’s AFL players awards.

“I’d love to be there one night.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 30 2024 Brad Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Andrew Gaze, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Chris Goulding, and Lanard Copeland at the NBL SuperCoach Launch. Picture: Brendan Beckett

He said he was in awe of “locker buddy” Marcus Bontempelli, who was named all-Australian captain and claimed AFLPA MVP at Thursday night’s AFL awards ceremony.

“It’s unbelievable, he’s obviously someone everyone looks up to,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“He’s our captain and he’s just a role model on and off the field.

“The way he cleaned up last night was pretty cool to watch.”

Speaking with Code Sports, the Melbourne United NBL fan said he chose footy over basketball, aged 15, and now hoops has become an escape from the rigours of the AFL world.

“I’m not really a football fan, I’m more of a basketball and NBL fan, to be honest with you,” Ugle-Hagan admitted.

“(The) last AFL game I would have watched was Buddy Franklin’s 1000th goal.

“I don’t watch it, I just play it and train it.”

“I just don’t like being involved with so much footy, because (try to get away from it) and that’s what Melbourne United have helped me with because I’ll just go over there and watch that.

Ugle-Hagan has overcome illness and will face Hawthorn. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Warrnambool flyer has a close relationship with the NBL club, invited in by chief executive Nick Truelson, the Bulldogs former chief commercial officer.

“I just knew a few of the players already and Nick Truelson, I’m really good mates with, he looked after me growing up at Western Bulldogs, and then he moved across to Melbourne United and now it’s just a good connection to have,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“I had a celebrity match where I played for Melbourne United and that was unbelievable.

“I was spewing Melbourne United didn’t get up in (last season’s) grand final but, at the end of the day, that’s how basketball works.

“I’ve got a really soft spot for the club, definitely love Chris Goulding and the way he plays and just the way he looks after me, they’re nice fellas out there, good people.”

While he hasn’t played AFL SuperCoach, he’s planning on getting a few of his mates from the ‘Bool into an NBL SuperCoach league.

“I might just jump on board with a couple of Warrnambool mates down at home because it’d be pretty cool to watch (games) and then have competition with the fellas,” he said.

“I probably know more of the NBL players than AFL players, I’m not going to lie.”

Originally published as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan details passion for NBL, declares himself certain starter for Western Bulldogs’ elimination final