The Just Better Care Roller Hawks have made their first move ahead of the upcoming National Wheelchair Basketball League season, signing Jontee Brown for 2025.
The Canberra based high pointer is coming off a championship year with the Darwin Salties but the chance to play and train closer to home proved too compelling.
“I think it’s an exciting step for me. I’ve always enjoyed watching Wollongong’s ability to play, the support from the community and also the talent of players that have come before me and are still there now and I think it’s very exciting to be a part of,” said Brown.
“I’ve got a great connection with a number of guys playing in the Gong so to play with those guys again is pretty exciting.”
Brown has been something of a wheelchair basketball nomad over the years, having played for the Kilsyth Cobras and Sydney Metro Blues before spending the last three years playing for the Salties.
Roller Hawk Tristan Knowles was thrilled with Brown’s signing and believed he’ll be an integral part of Wollongong’s chances in 2025.
“I genuinely believe it's one of the most exciting signings in our club’s history. He has played professionally overseas and only last year played a starring role in Darwin's first NWBL title.”
“We will be able to utilise Jontee in so many different roles as he is just so versatile and his tool kit is vast.”
“He can play the big man, his outside shooting ability is something other teams fear now and he has a deep desire to win which will be important for our success.”
“Most importantly he is a great person which we know is critical at the Roller Hawks.”
“To be able to join forces again with one of Australia's most exciting up and coming stars I'm really excited.”
The Bendigo born Brown has also spent three years in Europe playing in both Germany and France and was recently named in the Australian Rollers 2025 squad ahead of the Asia Oceania Championships at the end of the year.
“I think the move to Wollongong allows me a great opportunity to be consistent with training.”
“Being able to play and compete against some of the best guys in Australia right now and some of the guys that have been to multiple Paralympic Games and with ‘Sticky’ (Brett Stibners) on the Australian coaching group, he provides great insight.”
“I want to be in that 12, I’ve had a few tours but I really want to get to a major tournament whether that’s a Worlds or a Paralympics and to get so close last year sort of stung a bit and I’m really excited to see what this year holds.”
The second year of NWBL under the guidance of Wheelchair Basketball Australia tips off in late June and runs through until the end of August.