THE Mandurah Magic men’s State Baskebtall League team will be hoping new recruit Jarrad Jackson can lead them to their first championship.
The Magic were knocked-out in straight sets last year by the Perth Redbacks in the quarter final, losing game one by 23 points and game two by 22.
Jackson was part of that Redback’s side, scoring four points in game one and 11 in game two.
He said he made the switch to the Magic in search of a new challenge, new opportunities and a likely starting role.
“I felt that Mandurah gave me the best opportunity to show my game and improve as a player with the full court time and break out of my comfort zone,” he said.
“I was too comfortable (in Perth) and I was scared of the move and that is why I chose to do it.
“So I thought; new scene fresh opportunity, I can make it what it is and I thought it would give me a good chance to take my game to the next level.”
Last season Jackson averaged 8.3 points-per-game, 3.2 assists and three rebounds in 28 games.
The statistics were an improvement from his career statistics, where he has averaged 5.7 points per game and 2.1 boards from 79 games.
He shot 31 per cent from three-point range and shot a creditable 62.9 per cent from the free-throw line.
At the Redbacks, Jackson played most of his time as the shooting guard with former Perth Wildcat Joel Wagner running the point.
He said it would be tough coming up against his old team, where he played most of his junior basketball.
“I have been practising against Joel Wagner for years so we both know each other well and it is going to be really intense and I expect it is going to be extra physical,” he said.
Jackson hoped he would play at point guard more in Mandurah and nail down the starting role.
“I was playing shooting guard at Perth, though I feel like I am a natural point guard,” he said.
“Obviously the Magic had the injury with their point guard but I just want to learn how to be a leader and control the team for 48 [minutes].
“I like their team and I’d always liked the look of them.
“I like how they competed in it and I thought I could offer them and they could offer them."
He said having some of the best big men in the league made it easier for him to attack the basket.
“I like to attack and I live-in he pain but I am a pass first point guard, I take whatever the defence gives me,” he said.
“I feel like I could shoot at 40 per cent this year.”
Jackson said Mandurah had a more relaxed feel off the court, but when they stepped on the court it was anything but.
“I want to extend that confidence and self-belief through the team to make sure everyone is confident and feeling good,” he said.
“We are already pretty close and I feel like we are going to go pretty far this year.
“Perth has added some good things to their roster and they are going to compete.”
Coach Jason Kyle said Jackson would add some smart ball movement and energy to the roster.
“He is extremely good at distributing the ball and very athletic,” he said.
“He is very explosive and very good at giving out the ball.
“He is good at getting to the basket and finishing around much bigger players.”
The Mandurah Magic kick off their campaign against the Eastern Suns at Lesmurdie on March 13.
The side play their first home game two days later against the Geraldton Buccaneers.
