Former Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine has a new role in sport, joining the NBL champion Tasmania JackJumpers as director of high performance.
The 39-year-old has had an informal relationship with the JackJumpers since their inception three years ago and has formed a strong bond with title-winning coach Scott Roth.
Paine will join the club’s advisory board in his new position.
“Like all Tasmanians I have followed the JackJumpers with great interest since their first season and have very much enjoyed my interactions with Scott and his coaching staff,” Paine said in a club statement.
“I am thrilled to now be asked to play a more formal role as high performance director, sharing my experience and at the same time learning more about the JackJumpers program.”
JackJumpers chair Steve Old welcomed Paine to the club’s advisory board.
“Tim is a very respected Tasmanian who has represented his state and country at the highest level and as such has been exposed to the highest performing environments,” Old said.
“I am thrilled to welcome his expertise to our advisory board working with our entire basketball department to continue to evolve our program and build on the success of the JackJumpers.”
Tasmania joined the NBL as an expansion team three years ago and claimed their maiden championship in March, beating favourites Melbourne United in an epic title series.
The JackJumpers’ title defence starts with the NBL regular-season opener on September 19, when they take on Melbourne in Perth as part of the inaugural HoopsFest round.