Underage star with some ‘bulldog’ in him creates history as JackJumpers’ first player signing

One of Tasmania’s budding future star basketballers has taken the bill as the JackJumpers’ historic first player signing, joining the newest franchise as a development player.

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A LAUNCESTON teenager with a bit of “bulldog” in him has become the Tasmania JackJumpers’ historic first signing.

Sejr Deans, 18, was unveiled as the NBL’s newest franchise’s inaugural player signing, joining his home state as a development player for the 2021-22 season.

The emerging talent has represented Tasmania at all underage levels, as well as nationally for Australia’s under-15 and under-17 teams.

Tasmania JackJumpers’ first player signing, Launceston teenager Sejr Deans, with coach Scott Roth. Picture: Darren Alexander

In February last year, Deans was part of the NBA Global Academy squad.

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said Deans possessed the exact traits he was looking for as he begins piecing together his roster.

“He’s hungry and he’s humble, and those are the things that we’re looking for as we sign our players,” Roth said.

“I think he’s got a great future ahead of him and he still has college ahead of him possibly, depending on what he does when school is finished in October.

“The biggest thing is to develop him and allow him to grow in our system and get him around higher-level players and see where he goes.

“I think if you saw the game last night [Perth against New Zealand], he reminds me of a mini Mitch Norton. He’s very tough, he’s kind of a bulldog and I like bulldogs.

“I like tough-minded guys that have a little bit of nasty in them.

“He can shoot the ball, he’s got some size and strength to him, and he’s quite young still with a man’s body already, and I think he’s just going to get better once he gets against better competition.”

Sejr Deans, right, is the Tasmania JackJumpers first player signing.

Deans, who will step onto the court for the North-West Thunder against the Hobart Chargers on Saturday night, said the reality of creating JackJumpers history was still sinking in.

“It’s very exciting just to be a part of the new franchise, really excited to get started,” he said.

“I connected with Scott over text message to begin with and we did an individual workout, and then a few weeks later he called me and told me the good news.

“It’s really only just settled in that I’m the first signed player ever and I think it’s really special for me but also my family and everyone who has helped me.”

The JackJumpers have also secured another foundation partner, with Mazda dealerships in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, as part of Your Local Motor Group, coming on board.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth, left, with team mascot Jack the Jumper and the side’s first ever player signing, Launceston’s Sejr Deans. Picture: Darren Alexander

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