Rigoni signs as injury replacement player

Adelaide 36ers have signed forward Jacob Rigoni as a nominated injury replacement player for the NBL24 season.

The 198cm swingman impressed at the club’s two-day Development Player camp during the off-season while also playing a key role in the Sturt Sabres charge to a 2023 NBL1 Central preliminary final berth.

Rigoni said to sign on at the 36ers is a dream come true after growing up in Adelaide watching idols Brett Maher and Jacob Holmes.

“I’m pretty ecstatic, this really means a lot to me to be part of this group,” Rigoni said.

“I’ve been here for a few months now and the guys have been super welcoming and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.

“I have been chipping away, getting better the past couple of months and I’ve had some great feedback from the coaches.”

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton said Rigoni has shown he can take the next step and can hold his own on the NBL stage.

“Jacob came out to our Development Player trials earlier this year and showed us what he can do,” Bruton said.

“To his credit, Jacob has stuck around as one of our training players, and now has the potential to get an opportunity at NBL level.”

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The 24-year-old, who spent five seasons at Quinnipiac Bobcats in the NCAA, led the Sabres with 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game throughout the NBL1 Central season.

Bruton said Rigoni is a versatile swingman who can play either small forward or power forward, has an elite outside shot and can crash the boards.

“I’m a big fan of Jacob’s skillset and he can bring a lot to our group at both ends of the floor,” Bruton said.

Rigoni is available to play as early as Saturday afternoon’s pre-season clash against Brisbane Bullets at The Lights Community Centre.