JackJumpers imports Jordon Crawford and Marcus Lee on decision to sign with Tasmania

The two biggest additions to the JackJumpers roster have lifted the lid on how big a role their new teammate played in getting them to Tasmania.

New Tasmania JackJumpers imports Jordon Crawford and Marcus Lee have both lifted the lid on how big a role new teammate Milton Doyle played in them putting pen to paper with the NBL’s newest franchise.

The two Americans both signed with the JackJumpers in June – just two weeks after the club announced Doyle had agreed to terms on a new two-year deal – with the trio touching down in Hobart on Wednesday.

Tasmania JackJumpers imports Marcus Lee (left), Jordon Crawford (middle) and Milton Doyle (right) arrive in Hobart on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied.

Crawford, a 5’6 point guard, said that his long standing relationship with Doyle and the way he spoke about the club made it an easy decision to come to sign a one-year deal.

“My guy Milton (was the key),” Crawford said.

“We go back along way playing against each other but right away, talking to the coaches and the staff, everyone felt very family oriented and had that grinding it out (mentality) and that’s the type of player I’ve been for my entire career so it felt like it was a perfect fit.

“Milton just spoke about how the group is. They grind and get after it and he had his family here and he spoke about how much they loved it. My wife is here so the fact his family loved it in Tasmania makes myself and my wife more comfortable.”

Lee, who joins the JackJumpers after playing with Melbourne United last season, also said Doyle’s influence played a major role in his decision to agree to a one-year deal.

“It (knowing Milton) was a huge key,” Lee said.

“Most guys usually call familiar friends and faces to get the low-down on a team and the area and he spoke nothing but good things. Finally being able to play with him and not against him will be a whole lot easier for me.”

Former Melbourne United big man Marcus Lee will add some serious size to the JackJumpers line-up this season. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Having both experienced basketball right across the globe, Crawford and Lee said the ability to join a franchise that had adopted a workmanlike mantra from its inception also played a big part.

“Everybody has always told me I was too small everywhere I go and this is no different,” Crawford said.

“People have said I’m too small and can’t play in this league so that’s just another chip on my shoulder to prove something.

“It’s the grit and grind (mentality) of the team. I think that’s been a real focus for them and once you become a part of the team and a part of the family that really gets drilled into you,” Lee added.

The JackJumpers begin their NBL24 campaign on September 29 against the Perth Wildcats before returning to MyState Bank Arena on October 6 to host the Sydney Kings.