Sport
26 October, 2026
Stattmann’s ‘jackjumping’ for joy at Tassie’s NBL club
CAIRNS basketballer Kody Stattmann has secured a contract with the Tasmania JackJumpers, marking the next step in his NBL career after a strong season with the Cairns Marlins.
Stattmann initially joined the JackJumpers as an injury replacement for Anthony Drmic but was offered an upgraded contract after Drmic’s retirement.
The Cairns-based basketballer said the opportunity was a surprise.
“My first like reaction was just super excited and happy and all that,” Stattmann said.
“I was just really grateful and very excited.”
Stattmann credited his time with the Cairns Marlins and the opportunity to develop his game under coach Joel Khalu with helping him secure the move.
He said playing in NBL1 allowed him to work on aspects of his game that were not always possible as a role player in the NBL.
“I think just working on my game in the off-season really helps me improve in areas where I’ve actually improved, making me more of an NBL player,” he said.
Cairns Basketball’s new general manager Mike Skeggs said the signing highlighted the opportunities available to talented local players.
“It’s hugely significant. I mean, it really does point to the local talent that we have and the opportunities that each of our players has to go to the next level,” he said.
Mr Skeggs praised Stattmann’s dedication and the support he received throughout his development.
“He had some support, but by all means, it was the hard work that he put in that got him to that next level,” he said.
Stattmann also acknowledged the Cairns basketball community and his family’s support, particularly from his mother and aunt.
“There’s really good community around in the basketball community in Cairns,” he said.
Skeggs said Cairns Basketball hoped to build on that success through junior development and greater community participation.
“We’re really excited about what we’ve got planned for juniors and certainly about growing the sport and working with the community,” he said.
