The Melbourne Tigers are excited to announce the return of the 2023 League MVP, Jack Purchase, for the upcoming season. Having come through the Melbourne Tigers junior system he is a home-grown talent that subsequently played both at the Collegiate level with the University of Hawaii before gaining opportunity at the Professional level with NBL teams, Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats and Adelaide 36ers.
A Power Forward, standing at 6’9”, Jack averaged 21.4ppg, 6.4rpg and 3.9apg for the 2023 Season that ultimately saw him take out the League’s MVP and be voted into the League’s All-Star 5 First Team. Jack has a unique ability to create with the ball whether that be for his own shot, at which he held a highly efficient 44% FG and 96% FT for the season, or using his Court vision to find open teammates with his passing he has certainly proven to be a difficult match-up for any team to cover defensively.
The Tigers Coaching Staff are equally excited in the return of Jack for the 2024 Season.
“We are incredibly excited to see the return of last year’s League MVP, Jack Purchase. The leadership, experience, and professionalism he brings both on and off the court serves as a great building platform for our Tigers NBL1 program and we look forward to the significant impact he will continue to have in 2024 as one of the League’s stars” – Jay Lomer A/Coach
Having come down to the wire but ultimately finishing 2 games outside of making Finals last season the Tigers have continued to build around their young core group and have made significant strides in their recruiting with Jack as that focal point. In a Conference (NBL1 South) that has proven to be one of the strongest and deepest Leagues in the Nation the Melbourne Tigers, led by Jack, look to break back into Finals for 2024 as they continue to build a Championship level team.
Jack added, “I’m very excited to be back playing with the Tigers and playing for Andrew and Jay again. We made some great progress last season and I can’t wait to build on it this year and make a big push to play finals. We have a great group of players and I am really looking forward to the start of the season! Go Tiges”.
The Tigers NBL1 men’s first game is on Thursday 4th April tip-off at 8pm against Dandenong Rangers following the Tiger’s women at 6pm. Get along to the MSAC Arena (Tiger’s Den) to catch all the action!