Jake McKinlay
The 2021 Property Brokers Manawatū Jets have been given a boost in depth, size and long-term potential with the signing of home-grown youngster Jake McKinlay.
McKinlay, a former student of Palmerston North Boys’ High School (PNBHS), has been a highly decorated junior player in recent years. As captain of the successful 2018 PNBHS Premier squad, he was named to the New Zealand Secondary Schools Tournament Team and was also a Junior Tall Black. He debuted for the Jets in the same year, joining just a handful of players to get game time in the Sal’s NBL while still at high school.
Head Coach Tim McTamney has worked with McKinlay a great deal, coaching him as a high school student and also giving him his first opportunity with the Jets at the National Basketball League level. McTamney is full of praise for the two-metre forward.
“Jake’s game has improved markedly over the last few years. He’s matured in every respect – he is stronger, more athletic, and his understanding of the game has evolved also. The coaching staff have been impressed with the work he’s been doing over the off-season, and we believe he’ll make a valuable contribution to our team in 2021. It’s also pleasing to see a local player make the step up to National Basketball League level – it’s something we’re hoping to see more of in future years.”
McKinlay will see time on court at both forward positions, providing versatility with his perimeter skills and an improving interior game. His ability to defend a variety of positions will also be valuable and offers McTamney more options coming off the bench.
McKinlay is thrilled with the opportunity to represent the Manawatū and the Jets franchise again in 2021.
”This is a great opportunity for me to develop as a player and contribute to the success of the Jets,” he said.
“We’re all hungry to make an impact this year and I’m honoured to be part of it. I plan to work hard, fill my role to the best of my ability, and do what it takes for our team to be successful. I can’t wait to get into it and get on the court. ”
McTamney continues to build around a youthful group of players, and with up to seven more players yet to be announced, excitement is ramping up around the make-up of this years’ final squad. More size is needed, but with a second import yet to be named and a hint that some ‘big’ New Zealand signings are expected in the coming weeks, local fans should be excited by the potential of this year’s Jets.
The 2021 Sal’s NBL gets underway for the Property Brokers Manawatū Jets in Auckland on Thursday 29th April when they take on the Auckland Huskies.
