JackJumpers sign veteran import as Sword replacement

Ian Hummer has been introduced as a member of the Tasmania JackJumpers for the first time and he might just emerge as a fan favourite in a short time. Here’s why.

Jackies recruit Ian Hummer playing for Tek Sut Bandirma. (Photo by Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images)

If Ian Hummer’s first introduction as a member of the Tasmania JackJumpers is anything to go by, he’s quickly going to establish himself as a fan favourite.

Fresh off what coach Scott Roth described as a “miserable” stint in Japan’s B-League, the 34-year-old arrives ready to make an impact for the reigning NBL champions.

Hummer was confirmed as Craig Sword’s import replacement on the weekend as the Jackies moved to strengthen their roster for the remainder of the season.

Asked to describe what type of style he would add to roth’s side, Hummer’s word felt like the perfect match to the franchise’s identity.

“I’m a high energy guy, that’s what I’ve been known most of my career” Hummer said.

“I’ve had some very good offensive seasons but I shine on the defensive end. I usually guard one through five with no real let down.

“I’m an assist player, always looking for the right pass, right shot. Always supporting my teammate if one is struggling.

“Put me on the floor, keep me in space and moving and I’ll be great for you.”

During his Japanese stint with Osaka Evessa, the 6’7 forward averaged 7.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

He said it “wasn’t quite the right situation” for his career.

“It was a sub par year coming off a couple of pretty good years in Europe,” he said.

“Situation is a situation, so I knew coming out of this season I would have to wait a couple of months to get the right offer.

“This offer was a no-brainer.”

While the 34-year-old said it will take some time to get into the flow of the JackJumpers’ offence, he is familiar with one of his new teammates, Jordon Crawford.

The pair have faced off before when they were in Turkey.

“I’m glad he’s on my team so I don’t have to guard him anymore,” Hummer said.

Roth opened up on the decision to interchange imports saying the club had been looking at a change for “six to eight weeks”.

“We’re not asking the world of him other than to help us on the glass,” he said of Hummer’s arrival.

On Sword’s departure he added: “These are emotional for me because I’ve sat on the other side of the table when you’ve been released from your job.

“It was no reflection on anything he did here.

“I wish the roster had of been where I thought it had of been at the beginning of August and we wouldn’t have to have gone done this path.

“Doing nothing is the wrong move as well.”

EARLIER

The JackJumpers have moved to address their offensive needs by signing versatile forward Ian Hummer for the rest of the season.

The 34-year-old will front media on Monday after being lured to Tasmania as a replacement for fellow American import Craig Sword, who was released by the Jackies on Saturday after averaging 6.3 points in 15 games.

Hummer brings a wealth of experience across the globe. He is second on Princeton University’s all-time scoring list and most recently played in Japan’s B-League, and previously in the Greek league.

A strong inside and outside shooter and rebounder, Hummer is expected to make his Jackies debut in the grand final rematch against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on December 3.

After a sluggish start to their championship defence, Tasmania has righted the ship with five straight victories after Thursday’s 100-76 road win over New Zealand, which improved their record to 8-8 to sit just inside the top six.

Tasmania has again established itself as a defensive benchmark this season, but have struggled offensively and felt moving on from Sword was the best option.

Jack McVeigh’s signing by Houston as a two-way player has sorely hurt their potency, but the decision to move Sean Macdonald to starting point guard and Jordon Crawford back to the bench has been a masterstroke thus far.

Crawford score 22 of his 24 points against the Breakers in the first half to help set up the victory, while MacDonald has been in stellar form since his return from pre-season injury.

“We’re pleased to welcome Ian Hummer to the team. He’s a seasoned player who will bring versatility, experience and toughness to our group as we continue to build toward our goals,” Jackies coach Scott Roth said.

Hummer has joined the team immediately, and will also provide some much-needed rebounding and inside defence help to centre Will Magnay.