Wed
Dec 10, 2025
"Competitive spirit': meet the man who is taking the reins of this new team
Share on Social
Related Tags
Story By Jacob Bevis The Advocate
A critical piece of the foundation for the state's newest NBL1 South entity has been laid after recruiting an out-of-the-box coach for its inaugural season.
Jayden Smith was announced on Monday, December 8, as the man chosen to lead the Northern Tasmania Basketball Club's men's program next year.
Smith, who has more than a decade of coaching experience under his belt, has put pen to paper after a stint as assistant coach with New Zealand National Basketball League club, Wellington Saints.
"Northern Tasmania is a proud basketball community, and I look forward to building a team that reflects work ethic, character, and competitive spirit," Smith said.The appointment comes as the NTBC prepares to hit the court in 2026 after the North West Thunder and Launceston Tornadoes had their individual licences ended.
The new entity - endorsed by Basketball Tasmania - followed Basketball Victoria's announcement that the men's and women's programs in Greater Northern Tasmania must operate under the same licence.
NTBC president Craig Gibson said Smith's coaching philosophy aligned with the club's standards - accountability, professionalism and growth.
"He understands professional standards and shares our vision for building a team and culture Northern Tasmania can be proud of. He is exactly the kind of coach who grows with a program," Gibson said.
Smith, who will arrive in late January, will also take on a head coaching role with Somerset in the North West Basketball Association (NWBU), as part of his integration into Tasmania's basketball community.
The NTBC thanked Brett Smith and Phill Thomas, who not only contributed to the men's program throughout the recruitment process, but formed part of the selection panel.
He joins Zoe Mesman who was announced as the club's inaugural women's coach last month.
Identity, including team name, colours and uniform, is expected to be revealed early next year.
More News
Naming Rights
Major Partners
.png){kind=logo}
.webp)
