Barker set to link up with JackJumpers for upcoming NBL season

Lachlan Barker is set to return home, linking up with the Tasmania JackJumpers for the 2023/24 NBL season.  The Somerset junior signed a one year deal as a nominated replacement player for the upcoming season that will get underway on Friday, September 29.
Barker, who will be the only Tasmanian on the JackJumpers' roster, was a player co-CEO Jorrick Chivers was looking forward to bringing into the program.  "We're really excited to bring Lachlan into the JackJumpers family. We think this is the perfect environment for him to grow as a player and thrive in a supportive environment in his home state," Chivers said. 
The 27-year-old has NBL experience, playing 14 games with South East Melbourne Phoenix in NBL22 as a development player, and making an impact as a nominated replacement player with Melbourne United last season. 
As a nominated replacement player, Barker will train full time as part of the JackJumpers' 15-man squad and can be elevated to the active roster if another player is injured.  "While Lachie is over the maximum age for a development player, the NRP system is a great way of being able to bring in a really solid guy like Lachie," Chivers explained.  "We think [he] will fit in really well with the group and embodies that grit and grind mentality that has become our trademark."  The guard has most recently played for Frankston Blues in the NBL1 South where he averaged 13 points, three assists and three rebounds per game.