Doyle: "I'm a Tasmanian"

Milton Doyle has captured the hearts and minds of the JackJumpers faithful during his two-season stint with the club, and the star guard has revealed he wants to stay in Tasmania for as long as the club is willing to have him.

Doyle was named to the All-NBL First Team in his debut campaign with the club in NBL23, and the 30-year-old added to his trophy collection with and All-NBL Second Team nod and NBL title this past season.

“Me and my family enjoy it and we get outside a lot because of all the great scenery in Hobart. My kids love all the playgrounds and parks, and they’re at school, we’ve integrated into society in Hobart and everybody loves us here,” Doyle told SEN.

“There are fans stopping to talk to us everywhere we go, and everyone’s welcomed me ... I don’t think there’s anywhere in the world with support like this, there are fans everywhere we go and they’re always cheering us on, and I think we have the best home crowd out of any team I’ve ever been a part of.

“I’m a Tasmanian now ... as long as you guys are willing to have me, I’ll definitely be playing here.”

JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said in a separate interview that Doyle is assessing the possibility of becoming an Australian citizen further down the line.

The star guard, who will be returning to the States before spending his off-season in Puerto Rico, says this JackJumpers side has been built on the cultural foundation laid by Scott Roth.

“I think it just starts from the guys he picked, from each individual he picked on the team. I think that was his thought process with guys being able to gel together and play together,” Doyle said. 

“That was the start of it, he implemented his systems and we’ve followed along and believed in what he’s said, and it’s been working. Once you have a coach who’s passionate and believes in everything he says and actually follows through, it’s easy for players to jump on board.

“We have the whole of Tasmania behind us also and you see what you’re playing for. It’s not just basketball, it’s more than that – so it’s easy to be passionate about.”