Tassie still on Tanner’s wish list

Krebs says he would love to follow in father’s footsteps

THE lure of joining an inaugural Tasmanian NBL team roster is not lost on Tanner Krebs, pictured, as he plots his path into the professional ranks. Krebs said it would be hard to ignore the dream of following in his father Dan’s footsteps and representing Tasmania at the elite level.

THE lure of joining an inaugural Tasmanian NBL team roster is not lost on Tanner Krebs, as he plots his path into the professional ranks.

However, the state’s planned rebirth into the league in 2021-22 will not play a factor on the path he takes in the next 18 months.

Krebs has arrived back in Sydney, where he will spend the next two weeks in self-isolation, before most likely returning to Hobart.

After a successful four-year US college career at Saint Mary’s, Krebs was planning on staying at his California base in the hope of impressing NBA Summer League teams. Instead, the pandemic that shut down the NBA and the NCAA March Madness tournament forced the 24-year-old to put those plans on ice.

Tasmania was handed the 10th NBL licence from league owner Larry Kestelman after he struck a deal with the State Government in February. However, the impact of COVID-19 may delay its entry.

Regardless, Krebs said it would be hard to ignore the dream of following in his father Dan’s footsteps and representing Tasmania at the elite level.

Dan, who coached the Hobart Chargers to SEABL championship glory in 2008, starred in one year as an import with the Devils in the NBL in 1990.

“It is tempting, obviously it is really tempting, but I need to do what is best for me at that time in my career,” Krebs said.

“Whether that’s next year or the year after or whatever down the line, whenever I feel like I’m ready for that step then I will do it.

“Obviously I would love to come play for Tassie and I would love to be part of it when it starts up, but there are so many other factors to take into account.”

Krebs has signed with sports agency Sports International Group, which has NBA clients such as Lauri Markkanen and Alex Len, as well as former Gaels teammates Jock Landale and Emmett Naar.

While he remains unsure exactly what the next step will be, Krebs is determined to use the uncertainty to his advantage.

“We’re just trying to figure out where the best opportunity for me is to make that next step in my pro career, or where to start,” Krebs said.

“I’m thinking about it a little bit. Obviously the NBL is somewhere I am really interested in playing and it would be a really good opportunity for me.

“Europe is definitely another option, but everything is pretty uncertain at the moment.

“Right now, I will just come back home, stay in shape and be ready to start playing again whenever I need to, wherever I need to.”