Tre Armstrong joins JackJumpers as Development Player

The JackJumpers have gone local with their latest signing, securing one of Tassie’s most exciting prospects. Here’s what the club are expecting.

LONG-time Tasmanian coach Mark Radford knew newly-signed JackJumpers development player Tre Armstrong had the tools to make it when he was a “gangly and uncoordinated” teenager.

And while the Jackies are quick to point out nothing is guaranteed simply because you hail from the Apple Isle, it’s clear locking up the Burnie product is one of their more sentimental signings.

Radford, a current JackJumpers assistant, has known Tre since he was in nappies and said the state’s basketball community should hold a great sense of pride he’s graduated to the elite ranks.

Radford coached the 23-year-old’s father Ben in the SEABL (now NBL1) and said his signing is an exciting moment for the game in the state.

“He didn’t have much choice, he was going to be a basketball player,” Radford said.

“He really started to blossom about under-14s. That was about the time he grew into this gangly, uncoordinated young kid, he went away to nationals and did really well.

“The aesthetics of him being a JackJumper to all the young kids around the state in programs now, they can see there’s a pathway there.

“In a professional enviornment you have to have the talent to be there and he’s certainly got that.

Burnie product Tre Armstrong has signed with the JackJumpers as a development player for next season. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“Coaches in the junior space get to influence someone’s career over a long period of time. I think all coaches who have coached Tre and others feel a sense of connection.

“To have a little stamp at the end when they see Tre in a JackJumpers game, it’s very rewarding.”

Armstrong, who is currently playing for North-West Thunder, returned home this year after graduating from US college California Baptist’s program.

After four years in the college system, Armstrong finished sixth on the school’s all-time three-pointers made list.

He said he’s determined to show the NBL world he’s earned his JackJumpers spot.

“Of course, anyone that knows me knows I”m a very hungry competitor and take pride in my ability,” Armstrong said.

“I’m not a finished product as a player and the good thing about being a development player is you have a chance to improve.

“I want to come into practice every day and show people I’m there to compete for minutes and help the team be great.

Tre Armstrong in action for the California Baptist Lancers. Photo courtesy of CBU Athletics.

“I have a great relationship with Mark Radford, and have got to know some of the other assistants on a more personal level the last few months.

“He’s been my coach and mentor since I was a young kid, the whole way through.

“I’m not a finished product but want to see how good I can be as a basketball player, while contributing to something that’s bigger than myself

“It (signing with Tasmania) ends up being a no brainer when you have people like that in your corner, and you know you’re in good hands.”

Armstrong has no doubt Tasmanian talent in the NBL will only increase in coming years.

“I think it definitely will. Even in the community non-basketball people like it now because of the existence of the JJ’s,” he said.

Burnie product Tre Armstrong has signed with the JackJumpers as a development player for next season. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“Being a Tasmanian is just different, there’s something special about being from here and when you leave it’s exciting to come back.

“I always wanted to play for Tasmania at some point, I had no idea it would be this soon.”

Radford said Armstrong has the ability to maximise the weapons in his game.

“He knows his strengths and weaknesses, that’s a good thing for any basketball player,” he said.

“He’s got a great body for NBL, six-foot five and very strong. He’s a very good shooter and has very good IQ. They’re two good facets he can tap into.”

Tre Armstrong in action for the North West Thunder. Photo: Robert Spencer.

The JackJumpers still have one of four development spots to fill, and co-CEO Jorrick Chivers is exited at what Armstrong can bring.

“Obviously he’s a very talented shooter and scorer, but we think there’s other intangibles that will help us like his work rate, his presence in defence and it’s a great opportunity for him to keep getting better,” he said.

“We’ve shown there’s an opportunity to play for our DP’s, Scott (Roth, coach) likes to go 13 deep with our rotation.

“We want to be a pathway for Tasmanian talent but nothing is guaranteed. For Tre it’s his work rate as an athlete (that got him here).

“Nothing is given, Tre has definitely earned his spot on his basketball ability and it’s just a bonus he’s a Tasmanian.”

Another local product to keep on the radar is young gun Kye Savage who secured a scholarship at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Canberra.