Jackies jump to secure Gak
Big man offers Tassie plenty of size
Tasmania JackJumpers have made their first signing move in the NBL free agency period with the recruitment of big man Gorjok Gak.
Gak will join the NBL24 champions on a two-year deal with a team option of retaining the 211cm centre on the second year of his contract.
“I’m excited to join the JackJumpers and get down to Tasmania. I’ve heard great things about the culture and obviously that has created an environment where players can thrive, and that’s fostered success super quickly,” Gak said of his signing.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the guys, (the) coaches and front office. All the interactions I’ve had so far, everyone has been incredibly supportive and professional.”
Gak grew up in Sydney before moving to the US College system where he attended
Florida State University, finishing as blocks leader in the Western Athletic Conference.
“Gorjok is a really athletic big man who brings a lot of size and length to our group. He really embraces that next-manup mentality which he showed that during his season with Phoenix last year,” JackJumpers head coach Scott Roth said.
“(He is) a great rebounder and shot blocker, and will provide that extra rim protection for us.”
Gak played for South East Melbourne Phoenix this past season where he played 17 games at an average of 15 minutes for 4.9 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 5.4 points.
Gak’s inclusion may just be the first of many for the reigning NBL champions despite the majority of the list already locked in for next season.
Local star Will McDowellWhite is set to be one of the biggest free agents with many believing Tasmania may be a destination for the Brisbanenative
and former New Breakers star.
With McDowell-White appearing more likely to land at either Adelaide, Brisbane or South East Melbourne, NBL media’s Peter Hooley believes the JackJumpers’ recent success may be a reason he doesn’t sign with Tasmania.
“I think Adelaide is the right fit,” Hooley said. “I think Tasmania is obviously the right fit (also) because they have Milton Doyle and Will Magnay but a lot of people will have the question of they just won a title so how will that look.”
With game five hero Jordon Crawford currently a free agent, McDowell-White’s decision on potentially joining Tasmania may unlock Crawford’s future in Tasmania at the point guard position.
The JackJumpers have already announced the re-signings of MVP Jack McVeigh (two years), Anthony Drmic (one year) and Majok Deng (two years) this post season.
Zealand
One of Tasmania’s most promising young swimmers is set to test himself against Australia’s best following his qualification for the 2024 Olympic Trials later this year.
Daniel Shilcock, a member of the HC Swim Club, continued his rapid rise through the local swimming ranks with the 17-year-old’s recent 50m backstroke silver medal win at the Australian Age Championships enough to see him break through for the Paris trials in June.
While the Brisbane event is more a chance to test himself against the best of the best ahead of a longerterm goal of a 2028 or 2032 Olympics berth, Shilcock was excited his hard work had seen him recognised for such a big opportunity.
“This is a bit of a stepping stone for me with the goal really looking towards the next (Olympics),” Shilcock said. “Riding off a good nationals meet is exciting so I have to dig in with some hard work now to head in feeling confident and if I can get close to the finalists then I’ll be really happy.”
Shilcock also set a new state record in the 200m individual medley and has broken over 30 state records during his time in the water.
It’s success that hasn’t come without a lot of hard work with the teen travelling almost an hour to training each day from his home in Port Huon. “I wake up at 3.50am which is earlier than just about all the other swimmers and that incentive is a good way to tell yourself that you need to be putting in the hard work to make it worth it,” he said. “It’s a good reminder that not all things in life are easy to come by, sometimes you need to make some sacrifices.”
Shilcock credited his coach Rachel Brennemo as a major factor in his success.