Roman Siulepa to find new NBL team after split with Tasmania JackJumpers over decision to play schoolboys rugby
Highly touted teenage prospect Roman Siulepa will work with the NBL to find a new team after mutually parting ways with the Tasmania JackJumpers on Tuesday.
Siulepa, who is emerging as Australia's next top basketball talent, signed a two-year Next Star deal with the reigning NBL champions in June.
However, the two parties have since split, having been unable to agree on their respective priorities.
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Roman Siulepa is one of the country's most promising stars. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett
The 18-year-old wishes to fulfil his remaining high school commitments, including completing the schoolboy rugby season, alongside the new NBL season.
Last month, Siulepa starred for Brisbane State High School's First XV side playing No.8 in the opening round of the Greater Public Schools competition
He scored four tries and set up another.
Siulepa is also dealing with back and shoulder injuries and will need more time to be fully fit for the season.
"When we first signed Roman we agreed he could finish his schooling year in Brisbane," Tasmania JackJumpers chair and former NBL player Steve Old said in a statement.
"[He] came down for a four-day period to train ... we did a physical on him and it appeared he had some injuries from rugby.
"We asked him to commit to the club and if he went back to Brisbane ... that he wouldn't continue to play rugby because we didn't think it would be beneficial for his body.
"He chose to go back to Brisbane and continue to play rugby.
"If he's not sure about whether he wants to make the commitment to basketball ... or rugby, he probably needs to sort that out himself.
"We wish him all the best. [But] from a club perspective, we're not going to risk our name and reputation."
The 200cm forward is part of the league's Next Stars program, which exists to fast-track the development of young talent for the NBA.
"We've held some really good discussions with the JackJumpers, Roman, and his agent and feel this is the best path forward for everyone," general manager of Next Stars recruitment Liam Santamaria said.
Roman Siulepa represents Australia. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett
"Roman has enormous potential as one of the most talented youngsters in Australian basketball and he is keen to continue his journey as a Next Star. We remain committed to helping him take those big first steps in his professional career."
The search for Siulepa's new team will begin immediately.
Melbourne United, the Adelaide 36ers, Illawarra Hawks and Cairns Taipans are without a contracted Next Star player.
"We would like to thank the JackJumpers for their support of Roman to this point," Santamaria said.
"However, with his Next Stars recruitment now re-opened, an opportunity exists for a new team to work with Roman. We will now work with him and his agent to find the best fit moving forward."
Siulepa was named in the all-star five at the 2023 FIBA Under-17 Oceania Championships, where he helped Australia to gold, and was the 2023 Queensland Basketball Male Player of the Year.
He was also one of just three Australian teenagers invited earlier this year to the Basketball Without Borders camp at the NBA All-Star weekend in Indiana.
The 2024-25 season NBL will kick off on September 19.
