Inverloch basketballer earns NBL shot with JackJumpers

INVERLOCH raised Josh Tomasi earned his shot at NBL basketball with Tasmania’s JackJumpers, standing out from a field of contenders for the single available development player spot.

The 22-year-old brings the experience of representing Minnesota’s St Cloud State University for a couple of years.

After returning to Australia, Tomasi took time to decide what he wanted to do, relishing the chance to share his knowledge with young local basketballers.

“During that time I was coaching kids in Inverloch and working at Paul the Pieman, and I was invited to come down to Tasmania to try out for the development player spot,” he said.
Out of 110 applicants, 25 were invited to attend trials.

He was up against other young guys from Australia and New Zealand, some of whom had also played college basketball, and some having NBL experience.

“I’ve always wanted to play professional basketball and I was just waiting for the right opportunity, and it pretty much presented itself to me,” Tomasi said.

His determination stood out during trials, highlighted by his willingness to hustle to get the ball.

“The feedback I got was that I was just really hungry,” he said, adding that little things he did caught the eyes of those in charge, like his willingness to scramble to keep the ball in play.

Tomasi is now contracted to the JackJumpers and is hopeful of getting court time this season, saying his size and the way he plays makes that a realistic goal.

At 208cm tall and weighing in around 110 kilos, combined with his competitive spirit, Josh provides a strong physical presence close to the basket in defence, or attack.

JackJumpers head coach Scott Roth has expressed the view that Tomasi is definitely in the running to play this year.

While confident in his ability to contribute, Tomasi knows he has to work hard to break into the team, making it clear he needs to stand out.

“It’s about how you apply yourself every day and whether you are someone who is consistently challenging the older experienced guys, or you are just part of the drills?”

Tomasi said that while college basketball is a high standard, the NBL is a big step up, with the league having improved significantly in recent years.

He said basketball is now his job and he needs to meet high standards of professionalism.

Tomasi said Roth has made it clear he is not looking for superstars but rather a team of people who play their roles.

“He wants guys who know what they can do well and execute that well,” Tomasi said.

While his mentality in college was geared towards scoring, Tomasi realises he will play a different part in an NBL side.

“You’re not the one-man show anymore and I’m more focused on the little things, getting rebounds or good passes, good screens,” he said.

Tomasi is excited to be learning from Roth who played and coached in the NBA.

Although keen to earn court time, Tomasi said that as a development player that is not of paramount importance as long as he continues to improve and work towards long term success.

While looking to make an impact on the professional stage, he is excited to have had the opportunity to help foster young basketballers in Inverloch.

“In South Gippsland, basketball’s not really a sport kids are seeing as a pathway,” he said.

Tomasi believes the kids were able to relate to him because he’s young, and were excited to see him sign with an NBL team.

“I think it’s important they see someone doing something different to the typical career in South Gippsland,” he said.