Will Magnay

Will Magnay’s massive contribution to the stunning success of the NBL’s newest team, the Tasmanian JackJumpers, has been rewarded with selection in the Boomers squad ahead of the Paris Olympics.

The 208cm centre had his best season as a professional player as the JackJumpers won the NBL in just their third year in the league in March 2024, averaging 10.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 19.5 minutes per game.

After overcoming several major injury setbacks in recent years, Will was emotional as he opened his selection letter.

“It’s been in the back of my mind for a while, so to get this is amazing,” Will said. “The opportunity to represent your country doesn’t come around very often.”

Growing up in Brisbane, Will impressed as a junior throughout his teens and spent a year at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in 2016, before playing US college basketball for the University of Tulsa in 2016-17. He averaged 3.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks.

He then signed for his hometown NBL team, the Brisbane Bullets, and in the 2019-20 season was named the league’s most improved player, averaging 8.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a game.

That performance saw him earn an NBA opportunity with the New Orleans Pelicans. He made just one NBA appearance and played mostly in the G League before returning to the NBL with the Perth Wildcats.

Will then signed with the JackJumpers in their inaugural season in 2021-22, but injury limited him to just 33 games in his first two seasons. When a fit-again Will put together a full season in 2023-24, the JackJumpers reaped the benefits.

The Queenslander established a reputation as the best rim protector in the NBL and Boomers coach Brian Goorjian, keen to stiffen his defence, recognised his value.

“Magnay really brings a [Aron] Baynes, [Andrew] Bogut physicality that we did not have,” Brian said.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics the Boomers started on a strong note, defeating Spain 92-80 in what was regarded as the toughest group in the tournament.

Losses followed against Canada (93-83) and Greece (77-71) to close the group stage, setting up a quarter-finals clash against Serbia.

The Boomers pushed the Serbians into overtime on a Patty Mills made fadeaway jump shot over the outstretched hand of Nikola Jokic, that came with two seconds left in regulation time. Serbia took control of overtime (95-90), knocking Australia out of the tournament.

Will played in every game, averaging 9.8 minutes off the bench.