The Tasmania JackJumpers have made a giant statement of intent by signing two-metre shooting specialist Clint Steindl.
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A two-time NBL champion with extensive experience in Australia, the US and Europe, Steindl joins Melbourne United's Sam McDaniel and Launceston development player Sejr Deans on the roster ahead of the JackJumpers' inaugural NBL season.
Signed on a two-year deal having been a key contributor to the Perth Wildcats' 2019 and 2020 championships, the 32-year-old has also played for the Cairns Taipans (2012-14) and Townsville Crocodiles (2014-16) where he was named the competition's most improved player.
Steindl said he was thrilled to be joining the NBL's newest team, which joins the competition next season.
"It's exciting to play a role in helping build a brand new franchise and to establish a culture that the people of Tasmania can be proud of," he said.
"I'm also looking forward to reconnecting with (coaches) Scott Roth and Jacob Chance, and I believe we are starting to put together the pieces for the club to be successful on and off the court in the first season."
JackJumpers head coach Roth was similarly excited to re-ignite a strong relationship the pair enjoyed at the Wildcats.
"He is a great addition to our inaugural roster," Roth said.
"Clint is the ultimate professional and is another player who brings championship qualities to Tasmania. His leadership ability and high character will make Clint as valuable in the locker room as he is on the court.
"Clint will be able to help us in all areas on the court but especially on the offensive end where his incredible shooting and off ball movement will help us space the floor and play an exciting brand of basketball."
It's exciting to establish a culture that the people of Tasmania can be proud of
- Clint Steindl
Steindl joined the Wildcats midway through the 2017-18 season and he went on to play 128 games for the club, draining 189 three-pointers at 36.6 per cent, averaging 7.6 points per game.
He told the Wildcats website he was proud of the role he played in Perth.
"My time here has been a whole lot of fun thanks to my teammates and coaches," he said.
"My family and I put a lot of thought into this, and we've come to the decision to move on, but we're super excited about what's ahead for us."
Coach Trevor Gleeson repaid the compliment.
"Clint is a great teammate and he played an important role in our success during his time at the club," he said.
"I wish he, Kayla and Noah the very best in their next chapter."
Steindl signing comes less than a week after McDaniel became the JackJumpers' first recruit under the free agency process.
The 25-year-old guard had been with Melbourne United since 2018, starting 24 games in 2021 as Launceston-born Chris Goulding captained the side's championship-winning season.
Steindl's wife Kayla is an American-born pro basketball who has been playing for the Perth Lynx in the Women's National Basketball League.
Hailing from Washington state, the forward played four years of US college basketball before moving to Australia and has since played in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.