"We had to have her": Jewels land college star

The Tasmania Jewels have added a “Swish Army Knife” to their inaugural roster, as Mia Jacobs commits to the WNBL27 squad, pending League approval.

At 22 years of age, Jacobs will make her WNBL debut after four seasons of college basketball, ending her collegiate career with the Oregon Ducks.

As a talented shooter and tenacious rebounder, the 6‘2” forward is currently in Perth, putting up big numbers for the NBL1 West’s Mandurah Magic.

From shooting to rebounding, defending and more, Jacobs described herself as “a little Swiss Army Knife".

"Whatever you need, I’ve got you,” she said.

“I hope to bring my versatility, my shooting and just all-rounder play to the court.”

Having watched from afar, Head Coach Claudia Brassard believes Jacobs will be a perfect fit alongside a star-studded group.

“Mia is arguably one the best Aussies coming out of the U.S college system, we had to have her,” Brassard said.

“She can stretch the floor, she shoots three-pointers at around 35 per cent, and she has so much more ceiling above her to keep growing into.

“With the leaders we have in Steph Reid, Keely Froling and Darcee Garbin, Mia’s game is just going to go from strength-to-strength.”

With WNBL aspirations and plenty of “pinch yourself” moments to come playing alongside Opals, Jacobs cannot wait to move down to the Apple Isle.

“My big dream has been to play in the WNBL,” Jacobs said.

“To have the chance to do this and with the newest team in the league is going to be amazing.

“Playing in the Big Ten was really physical, it’s structured, and you’re accountable, so I feel like that experience is going to help me step up in the WNBL.

“I’m just going to work my butt off so when there’s a chance to get the call up, I’m in the best possible position to hit the floor. I’ve looked up to Darcee as a mentor, and to have the chance to learn from her and such an experienced team is so incredible.”

See the full Jewels roster and how every other team is shaping up via the 2027 Roster Tracker here.