Why new recruit Te Rangi has ‘point to prove’ at Jackies

The JackJumpers have a track record of helping players rediscover their best form, and new recruit Reuben Te Rangi is confident he will be next after coming to Tasmania with a “point to prove.”

Reuben Te Rangi is confident he can find his best basketball at the JackJumpers. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

JackJumpers recruit Reuben Te Rangi is confident he can be the latest player to find a spark in Tasmania, admitting he’s got a point to prove after joining the NBL champions.

The 29-year-old New Zealand international was one of nine players present for the start of the Jackies’ pre-season mini camp in Hobart on Wednesday.

Signed as a replacement for Jack McVeigh after his signed a two-way contract with Houston Rockets, Te Rangi is keen to join the likes of Majok Deng, currently at the Olympics with South Sudan, in rediscovering his best basketball in Tasmania.

About to enter his 12th season after signing a one-year deal, the forward admitted his past two seasons in a four year stint with South-East Melbourne weren’t his best.

“I don’t think I’ve played my best basketball the last couple of years,” Te Rangi said.

“Scott (Roth, Jackies coach) and I definitely talked about that. I have a point to prove and I’ trying to help this team as much as I can.”

The expectations certainly aren’t to replace the output of McVeigh, who was named the club’s Most Valuable Player last year before being a shock selection on the Boomers’ Olympic squad.

“It’s huge shoes to fill, but I don’t think anyone can play as well as he did in those shoes,” Te Rangi said.

“I’m going to try and bring as much as I can bring, and focus on those areas.

“They’re a hard working team, I’m a big fan of what they’ve done the past few years starting new to where they are how.

“The main thing I liked is they work hard, and I can see now why they’re such a good team.

“It’s pretty plain and simple, you do the work and your job and you get on the floor. I’m learning a lot, there’s a lot of things to take in.”

Roth is confident Te Rangi will find his best basketball in a proven system, and believes his experience and work ethic will benefit the group.

“We have plenty of guys like Majok Deng and Fab (Fabijan Krslovic) who played Jack’s spot, we’ll be ready to go,” Roth said.

“The big thing for me was his years of experience. He’s probably had two flat years but he was really good at Brisbane.

“I think he can help our culture with who he is as a person. He’s a worker and I expect him to be impactful on the floor for us.

“He was a guy sitting on the outside looking for a roster spot, and Majok Deng was in that same position. There’s no expectation other than to come in (and work hard) and use his experience.”

While how the JackJumpers handle McVeigh’s loss remains to be seen, Roth believes Magnay will be back after also working out with several NBA teams.

“With ‘Mags’ we’ll continue to play it by ear, but I feel like he’ll be back with us,” he said.

Roth also downplayed the role emerging Next Gen prospect Roan Siulepa will have in his first season of a two year developmental contract.

“He’s been here a few days, then we won’t see him for a few weeks due to school,” Roth said.

“It is a two year development program and we don’t have a lot of expectations this year other than to get acclimated with what we do.”