NBL: Gaze backs Jackies big man as possible Boomers bolter

NBL legend Andrew Gaze has backed Jackies big man Will Magnay as a potential Olympic bolter, and declared he’s “in the wrong league” if he can back up his dominance against Illawarra consistently.

Andrew Gaze believes JackJumper Will Magnay could fill a role for the Boomers at the Olympics. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Andrew Gaze is adamant in-form Jackies big man Will Magnay’s skill set could help the Boomers at the Olympics, and declared “he’s in the wrong league” if he continues his recent dominance.

Magnay delivered one of the best individual performances of the NBL season in the ‘seeding qualifier’ win over Illawarra with a career high 25 points, ten rebounds, four blocks and two steals.

The victory propelled Tasmania to a semi final series against the Wildcats, beginning in Perth on Friday night.

Magnay has got better the longer the season has gone after making his return from long term injuries.

Gaze feels Magnay’s defensive abilities in particular could help Australia in Paris after a disappointing World Cup campaign in Japan last year.

“There’s two things that stick out for me (about Magnay) on the international stage,” Gaze said.

“He can protect the rim, he’s got a natural instinct with that. And there’s a lot of switching in defence these days, more than in the past.

“To have a big guy who’s got to guard some of these smaller guys (when they switch), he does a great job of sliding his feet and keeping people in front.

“He can hold his own in those circumstances a bit better than others.

“You go back to the Slovenia game (91-80 loss) where you’ve got Luca (Doncic) causing havoc. Him switching onto Luca and his ability to keep him in front, no one can do that (all the time) but he has a better chance than others.

“The same with Germany (85-82 loss) with Dennis Schroder getting into the paint, with his length he can contest the three ball and still keep people in front.

“That’s what I really like about a (possible Boomers) role for him. When you look at our bigs Duop Reath and Jock Landale, they bring great assets to the game but in a specific role, you can find times where Magnay’s skill set might be beneficial.”

Asked if he would pick Magnay if he was Boomers coach, Gaze said: “He’d certainly be in the mix.

“It depends on who’s available, it depends on who’s going to be there, but he’s certainly on my depth chart and one I’d be having a very close look at.”

Magnay has previously had an NBA stint with the New Orleans Pelicans, and Gaze said he is more than capable of a return if he replicates his display against the Hawks.

“If he can consistently play like he did against the Hawks in that play-in game, he’s absolutely in the wrong league,” Gaze said.

“(But) he’s got to be able to do that consistently, over an extended period of time.

“His perimeter game and shooting is a work in progress but he’s certainly showing signs that can hold up.

“If he improves that and does the other things he’s good at, absolutely (he can get back into the NBA).”

Magnay’s physical presence will be vital against a big Wildcats squad, and fellow Jackies big man Marcus Lee (pinched nerve in neck) remains in doubt after lasting less than a minute against Illawarra.

Captain Clint Steindl will also be a game day decision after he tweaked his back at practice on Wednesday.

“The JackJumpers have got a lot of different things they can go to, but if Will plays like that they are very tough to beat,” Gaze said.

“The issues with Will have always been foul trouble and injuries over the years. But if that is manageable, he can be a very pivotal factor in not just this series but their quest to win a championship.”

Lee travelled with the squad to Perth on Thursday, and got through training well on Wednesday.

The JackJumpers are optimistic he will play, but fell short of guaranteeing he will suit up.

“He got through training pretty well yesterday and there’s going to be some (medical) treatment. I think he’ll be fine,” Jackies assistant coach Mark Radford said.

“He might have to get some treatment for a while, because it was a severe injury.

“If Marcus plays, I’d say he’ll start. Marcus has played a great role and had a great combination with ‘Mags’.

“If everyone’s good we won’t want to change that.”