Adding a LaMelo type is off cards
THE JackJumpers are almost certain to have a Next Stars addition to their inaugural NBL roster – but coach Scott Roth has ruled out a LaMelo Ball-type personality.
Ball, who was taken with pick No. 3 in last year’s NBA draft, created waves when he joined Illawarra for the 2019-20 NBL season.
While it gave the league unprecedented international exposure — numerous NBA scouts visited Tasmania during the pre-season NBL Blitz to catch a glimpse of Ball in action — Roth said any Next Stars signed by Tasmania will need to fit the “culture first” mantra.
The Next Stars program was introduced in 2018 as an alternative for young basketball prospects who opt against taking the US college route towards their NBA dream.
“I’ve always been willing to look at it, I just want to make sure that we’ve got the right fit,” Roth said.
“I said from day one when I interviewed with Simon [Brookhouse] and Larry Kestelman that building culture is the number one factor of growing this franchise and making it a championship level team.
“So, the Next Star to me has to be the right fit, the right kind of person. We’re very close to getting one of those.
“We’ll know very soon. A guy that is just going to fit in I think seamlessly with what we’re doing and bring us some more depth.
“I just don’t want to get the wrong one that over [shines] the entire club, and next thing you know, you got this guy that’s bigger than the club.
“Justinian Jessup this year in Illawarra to me was a home run for them. It was a great signing, a guy that had no ego, just fit right in.”
The Next Stars program has proved a big success, with RJ Hampton (New Zealand) taken in the second round of the NBA draft and Josh Giddey (Adelaide) and Jessup shining last season.