Walter Brown Signs with the Tasmania JackJumpers

Local Canterbury Rams guard Walter Brown has signed a 2-year development player contract with the Tasmania Jack Jumpers in the National Basketball League.  Walter has played for the Canterbury Rams the past 2 season’s with his efforts being recognised with being nominated as a finalist for 2022 Sal’s NBL Youth Player of the Year.  The 19-year-old guard played his High School basketball at St Bedes College in the well-respected McDonald’s Thompson Trophy in Canterbury, played club basketball for Checkers in the CBA Club Competition and played representative basketball for both North Canterbury and Canterbury Basketball.

The Tasmania JackJumpers lost to the Sydney Kings in the Grand Final in their very first season as a franchise.  The JackJumpers are coached by Scott Roth who is known as one of the best player development coaches in the world having played in the NBA and being an assistant coach for multiple NBA teams as well as NBA G League Head Coach.  The Tasmanian team are known for their intense aggressive defense and Rams head coach Judd Flavell with his extensive Australian NBL experience with the SE Melbourne Phoenix and New Zealand Breakers saw the Jack Jumpers as the perfect spot for Walter’s development.

“Walter’s story is a big reason why you coach.  He dipped his toes in the NBL last season, came off the bench this season then forced his way into our Rams starting lineup by mid-season and never looked back.”  Walter has earned the trust of the coaching staff and had a strong back end of the season by being great at doing the little things.

I absolutely love the way Walter plays the game.  He plays the right way, high energy, big motor and simply does what he needs to do to help the team win.  And it was these qualities that Coach Scott Roth liked about him when I first spoke to him about Walter.  I actually believe that Walter has landed in an ideal situation with the JackJumpers, a team and style of play that is built of the same DNA.  He is still developing his skill set and I am excited to see him take another step up with his opportunity with the JackJumpers.” Stated Rams Head Coach Judd Flavell.

Walter in his young career has built a reputation for being able to impact the game on multiple levels.  For the Rams in 2022, he averaged 7.2 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, 1.1 assists and an impressive 40.5% from 3-point field goal in 23 minutes a game.  As well as representing the Rams, Walter led the Canterbury U19 representative side to a dominating 109-58 margin in the Championship game with Walter showing his class and emerging as the pre-eminent basketball talent in New Zealand for this age group.  Walter is looking to build on his hard work through his years in Canterbury and now on the international stage with the Tasmania Jack Jumpers.

Walter is paving a pathway way other youngsters throughout the Canterbury region can aspire to.  Walter has been involved with school, club, representation, Mainland Eagles Academy and more recently the Canterbury Rams.

“Walter’s hard work and humble approach has led to him developing at a very rapid rate.  Walter put’s his head down and is always seeking out ways to help his team.  In a lot of ways Walter is a late developer playing school, club & rep but only just recently being on the radar for National teams.  Walter is a great example for aspiring players on what can be achieved when the focus is on day-to-day improvement without overly focusing on national rankings and selections and the things that are out of the player’s control.  We are looking forward to following Walter’s development this season with the JackJumpers and looking forward to bringing his experience and learning’s back to the Rams singlet next season as we build towards a championship team in 2023”, stated Rams General Manager Caleb Harrison.