‘Can’t wait to play at home': Rigoni

New Adelaide 36ers signing Jacob Rigoni is ready to take his NBL opportunity “with both hands” and is excited to play professionally in his home town.

Rigoni, who signed a two-year deal on Wednesday, said he is privileged for the opportunity to show his skills at the top level after being the club’s injury replacement player in NBL24.

“It’s all about coming in and competing every single day and becoming a better version of myself,” Rigoni said.

“I have a lot of areas to work on, to get the chance to play the three (small forward) or the four (power forward) will be great.

“I’ll be happy to play my part and be ready for whenever my number is called.”

The 198cm swingman said he enjoyed his experiences during the NBL24 season and is happy his hard work and dedication has paid off after signing for a full roster spot.

“I had a few chats with Scotty (Ninnis, head coach) after the season had finished and he was super happy with how I performed at training,” Rigoni said.

“Then I met with Matt (Weston, GM of Basketball Operations), so it’s really exciting.

“He also is the GM at Sturt, so I was hoping we would have a few more chats, and we did.

“It’s nice to have the deal done now and I can just focus on going out and playing for Sturt.”

Rigoni has been a shining light for the Sabres throughout the opening part of the NBL1 Central season, averaging 22.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game as Sturt sit in equal first place with a 7-1 record.

“I think I was already a focus in the league before I signed, so it will be no different these next few months,” Rigoni said.

“There is no pressure now that the NBL is looming.”

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After spending five seasons in the US College system, then playing professionally in Germany, Rigoni said to be back ‘home’ in Adelaide is something he won’t take for granted.

“Playing in the NBL is always something I wanted to do and to do it in Adelaide is amazing,” Rigoni said.

“To be apart of it last year, being around the group, it gave me more appreciation of the club, the staff and the supporter base we have here.

“It’s a bit surreal really to now know I’m going to be a part of it all.

“I strived to make the NBL1 level at Sturt while I was playing juniors, then you make state teams and college opportunities come up and you refocus some of those goals.

“I was lucky enough to go and play overseas and I’ve had the focus on being an NBL player, it’s been a different path but I’m ready for the opportunity.”

Rigoni will now also team back up with another former Sabres junior Lat Mayen, who signed a one-year deal to join the club last month.

“Lat and I are really close, he came into the Sturt team in under 18s, he is a great guy, he has gone on to do great things and it’s awesome for him to be back in Adelaide at the 36ers, it’s all come full circle,” Rigoni said.

“It’s awesome the club has recognized the local talent and brought some of us back together and given us the opportunity to play for our home club.

“Even (Alex) Starling, he has been here long enough too, we are all South Aussies.

“When you get guys who want to play for the name on the front of the jersey, you are always in a good position and culture.”

Rigoni explained he will keep wearing the no.25 jersey with an uncanny synergy playing out being is first NBL season in NBL25.

“I wore that for my entire junior career at Sturt,” Rigoni said.

“I only wear no.7 now in NBL1 because when I came back big Max Calligeros had that number, so I chose no.7 because my sister Jasmine wears that number.”