10
Nov
4 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Jack McVeigh
Jack McVeigh #58 poses for a portrait during Houston Rockets Media Day at Toyota Center on September 30, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Photo: Darren Carroll/Getty Images
Jack McVeigh is a two-way player for the Rockets in the NBA
- NBL champion and Grand Final MVP with Tasmania JackJumpers in 2024
- Signed two-way contract with Houston Rockets in July 2024
- Represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Jack McVeigh's journey from NBL champion to NBA player exemplifies the growing pipeline of Australian talent reaching the world's top basketball league.
Key details
Name: Jack McVeigh
Age: 28
Team(s): Houston Rockets / Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Two-Way Contract)
Position: Forward
Size: 6'8" (2.03 m)
Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
Playing Style
Jack McVeigh's playing style is characterised by his versatility and shooting ability as a modern stretch forward. Standing at 6'8" with a solid 215-pound frame, McVeigh possesses the size to battle in the paint while also having the quickness to defend on the perimeter. His most notable attribute is his three-point shooting, which became a cornerstone of his offensive game during his time in the NBL.
McVeigh's court vision and passing skills allow him to facilitate offence from the forward position, making him a valuable asset in today's positionless basketball. His ability to space the floor and create mismatches against slower defenders or shoot over smaller opponents makes him a difficult cover for opposing teams.
Career
Jack McVeigh's professional career began in the Australian NBL with the Adelaide 36ers in 2018, following a college career at Nebraska. During his three seasons with Adelaide, McVeigh showed flashes of potential but struggled to find consistent minutes. It wasn't until he joined the Tasmania JackJumpers for their inaugural 2021-22 season that his career truly took off.
With the JackJumpers, McVeigh found the perfect environment to showcase his skills. He played a crucial role in the team's surprising run to the NBL Grand Final in their first season. Building on this success, McVeigh's game continued to improve, culminating in a breakout 2023-24 season where he averaged 17.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
The 2023-24 season proved to be McVeigh's crowning achievement in the NBL. He led the Tasmania JackJumpers to their first NBL championship, defeating Melbourne United in a thrilling five-game series. McVeigh's performances throughout the playoffs and particularly in the Grand Final series earned him the NBL Grand Final MVP award, cementing his status as one of the league's top players.
McVeigh's success in the NBL caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his two-way contract with the Houston Rockets in July 2024. This opportunity marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became one of the few players to make the jump from the NBL to the NBA in recent years.
Five Fast Facts
- McVeigh led the NBL1 Central in scoring in 2021 while playing for the North Adelaide Rockets.
- He played college basketball at Nebraska from 2015 to 2018.
- McVeigh was born in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, and grew up in nearby Cabarita Beach.
- He attended The Southport School on the Gold Coast for his high school education.
- McVeigh represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Career Highlights Timeline
2014: Joined the BA Centre of Excellence in the South East Australian Basketball League
2015: Began college career at Nebraska
2018: Signed first professional contract with Adelaide 36ers in the NBL
2021: Joined the inaugural Tasmania JackJumpers team
2024: Won NBL championship and Grand Final MVP with Tasmania JackJumpers
2024: Signed two-way contract with Houston Rockets
2024: Represented Australia at the Paris Olympics
Jack McVeigh's journey to the NBA is a testament to his perseverance and continuous improvement as a player. From his early days in the NBL, where he struggled to find consistent playing time, to becoming an NBL champion and Grand Final MVP, McVeigh has shown remarkable growth in his game.
His success story serves as an inspiration to many Australian basketballers aspiring to reach the NBA. As McVeigh embarks on his NBA career with the Houston Rockets, he joins a growing list of Australian players making their mark in the world's premier basketball league. His versatility, shooting ability, and experience in leading a team to a championship make him an intriguing prospect for the Rockets and a player to watch in the coming NBA season.
