Tassie Talent to Head North?

Photo: Ian Knight

Tasmania JackJumpers head coach Scott Roth has been vocal about his desire to bring more Tasmanian-born talent into his club, but according to Peter Hooley, a local star may be signing elsewhere. 

Hooley says California Baptist guard Taran Armstrong – who hails from Burnie – could turn down the JackJumpers in favour of a move to the Cairns Taipans, just weeks after Hobart-born Tanner Krebs elected to move to Melbourne, and Sam McDaniel left the club for the Bullets.

The news is yet to be confirmed by either club. 

Watch the full episode of The Marketplace on Sunday. 

“[I] heard a little whisper that turned out to be a very strong whisper from the Apple Isle that local exciting guard Taran Armstrong, playing at Cal Baptist in college, won’t be heading to Tassie,” Hooley said on The Marketplace.

“He had the opportunity,” Hooley continued. “There was a lot of talk of him potentially transferring to the likes of Gonzaga or some really big schools.

“I’ve heard he is going to be turning professional, he is going to sign in the NBL – not as a Next Star, on the main roster – and it’s not going to be Tasmania.”

The 6’6” Armstrong has spent the last two seasons at Cal Baptist, and has played a total of 59 games for the school.

He has also represented North West Tasmania in NBL1 South, as has his brother and fellow highly-touted young star Tre.

“I know what Scott Roth does,” Hooley said. “There was an article that came out, he didn’t name anyone, but he spoke about how they don’t promise anything. That everything isn’t given, it’s earned.

“That is what he has preached, but as a local talent that’s raised eyebrows. It’s one you thought would just have to get done.

“From all reports it looks like he is going to head to Far North Queensland to join Adam Forde in ‘the factory’ and start his professional career under ‘Fordey’.”

Watch the full episode of The Marketplace on Sunday.