Tag: Jack McVeigh

John Hollinger on Rockets addition Jack McVeigh: Potent shooter, defensive limitations

In his latest NBA column, The Athletic’s John Hollinger cited both the good (shooting) and questionable (defense) aspects of Jack McVeigh’s fit in Houston.

Newly signed forward Jack McVeigh, now on a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets, had an encouraging showing for Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But it wasn’t perfect.

While McVeigh made a clear impact with his long-range shooting, he also played off the bench for Australia (in contrast to Rockets center Jock Landale, who started for the Boomers).

In a new column reviewing Olympics performances, The Athletic’s John Hollinger — formerly an NBA front-office executive with the Memphis Grizzlies — shared a balanced take on McVeigh.

Hollinger’s analysis:

Hardcore Cornhuskers might remember him from his three years at Nebraska, but he’s become a much more potent shooter since then, hitting 42.0% and 43.4% from 3-point range the past two seasons in Australia’s National Basketball League.

The 28-year-old McVeigh also has a thin frame and may be a bit undersized for an NBA four at 6-8, 215 pounds. He filled his role at the Olympics, making 10-of-19 on 3-pointers in 75 minutes for a shooting-starved Australia team, but him not starting ahead of overseas journeyman Nick Kay hints at some of the defensive limitations he may see at the next level.

That could make McVeigh something of a situational player in the 2024-25 season for head coach Ime Udoka. If a matchup calls for additional shooting and/or the opponent isn’t as capable of punishing McVeigh’s defensive limitations, that could open up a role.

On the other hand, if more defense is needed, that could make a player such as Jae’Sean Tate a better reserve option. Udoka and the Rockets will sort it out when training camp opens in late September.

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2024 Olympics run continues for Australia’s Jock Landale, Jack McVeigh

Rockets center Jock Landale is averaging 17.6 points (67.6% FG) and 9.7 rebounds per game for Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite a second straight group-phase loss, Australia (1-2) is advancing to the eight-team, single elimination quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. That means that for two members of the 2024-25 Houston Rockets — big man Jock Landale and forward Jack McVeigh — their time in the Olympic spotlight will continue into next week.

Friday’s 77-71 loss (box score) to Greece, led by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, briefly put Australia in danger of being eliminated. However, Canada’s subsequent win over Spain (with Houston teammate Dillon Brooks playing a key role) allowed the Boomers to finish second in Group A competition.

To this point, both Landale and McVeigh have showed why the Rockets have high hopes in them for next year and perhaps beyond.

In three games, here are the average statistical lines for both:

  • Jock Landale: 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists; 67.6% FG
  • Jack McVeigh: 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds; 47.1% FG, 50.0% on 3-pointers

Thus far, both have also remained injury free, which is a better outcome than when Landale severely sprained his ankle during an August 2023 international contest while playing for Australia.

Australia’s game time and opponent for its quarterfinal match, which will take place Tuesday, is still to be determined.

Shortly after their Olympic run ends, both Landale and McVeigh will report to training camp with the Rockets, which opens in late September for the 2024-25 season. Landale will be a backup option at center behind incumbent starter Alperen Sengun, while McVeigh offers a reserve 3-point shooting threat at either forward position.

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Aided by Canada, Australia advances to quarterfinals of Olympics despite losing to Greece

Despite suffering a loss on Friday, Australia secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Olympics, thanks to a timely win by Canada.

Despite losing on Friday, Australia secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympic Games, thanks to a timely win by Canada to conclude the preliminary round.

The Boomers failed to capitalize on their opportunity to advance to the knockout round after losing 77-71 to Greece in Lille, France. The group was down by as many as 19 points and never led in the contest, dropping to 1-2 in the opening round.

Instead, Australia was sent through to the quarterfinals after Canada held on to beat Spain 88-85 and claim Group A with a 3-0 record. The team won the tiebreaker because of its point differential advantage over Greece and Spain, who also finished 1-2.

Houston Rockets forward Jock Landale led Australia in the group round, averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey averaged 15 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists, and Patty Mills posted 13.3 points per game.

With the help from Canada, Australia advances to the quarterfinals of the Olympics for the fifth consecutive time. The group posted its highest finish in the Games in 2020 when it claimed the bronze medal after posting a 5-1 record.

Australia is one of six countries that have clinched a berth in the quarterfinals, which begin on Tuesday. The remaining two spots will be decided on Saturday.

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McVeigh scores nine points for Australia in 93-83 loss to Canada

He scored nine points for his home country in the team’s 93-83 loss to Canada.

Former Husker Jack McVeigh once again took the court for Australia in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He scored nine points for his home country in the team’s 93-83 loss to Canada, bringing his Olympic total to 22 points through two games.

McVeigh came off the bench for Australia in the loss but made the most of his 15 minutes of action. He scored all nine of his points from beyond the arc, going three-for-five.

McVeigh landed two 3-pointers in the third quarter, including a buzzer-beater, sending Australia into the fourth down 72-70. He leads the team in 3-pointers made, landing six through two games.

However, Canada pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Australia to win 93-83. Australia falls to 1-1 in Group A and stands with 3 points. Canada leads the group with a 2-0 record and four points. Australia will conclude the preliminaries with a clash against Greece on Friday Tipoff is set for 6:30 a.m. (CT).

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Led by RJ Barrett, Canada improves to 2-0 in Olympics with win over Australia

Raptors forward RJ Barrett continued a strong start to the Olympic Games to lead Canada to a win over Australia on Tuesday.

Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett continued a strong start to the Olympic Games on Tuesday to lead Canada to a win over Australia at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.

Barrett produced a game-high 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander both had 16 points in the 93-83 win. Thunder forward Lu Dort added 11 points.

The contest was close throughout the first three quarters, with the lead changing hands 13 times. Canada took a two-point advantage into the final frame and would outscore Australia 21-13 over the last 10 minutes to pull ahead for good and improve to 2-0 in the group phase.

Canada moved into first place in Group A with one game left to play in the preliminary round. Barring a collapse in its final game on Friday against Spain, the Canadians are all but guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals beginning on Aug. 6.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey led Australia with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Rockets forward Jock Landale scored 16 points and 12 rebounds and Dallas Mavericks guard Danté Exum had 15 points. Rockets forward Jack McVeigh added nine points.

After defeating Spain in its Olympic opener, Australia dropped to 1-1 in the group phase with its loss on Tuesday. The team is in second place in Group A heading into its last game of the opening round against Greece on Friday (7:30 a.m. EDT).

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Dillon Brooks, Canada to face Jock Landale, Australia at 2024 Olympics

In an Olympics matchup featuring three current Rockets, Dillon Brooks and Canada will face Jock Landale, Jack McVeigh, and Australia on Tuesday.

In a 2024 Olympics matchup featuring three current Houston Rockets players, Dillon Brooks and Team Canada will face Jock Landale, Jack McVeigh, and Team Australia on Tuesday morning.

The game tips off at 6:30 a.m. Central from Lille, France, and it will be available to watch and stream live in the United States on Peacock (subscription required). Brooks and Landale are expected to start for their sides, while McVeigh will play off the bench.

The 12 nations in the men’s basketball tournament are split into three groups, with four teams in each group. Canada and Australia are both in Group A, along with Greece and Spain.

At the end of the three-game group phase, the top two teams in each group automatically advance to the quarterfinals. Additionally, the two best third-place teams, as determined by point differential, move on to the eight-team quarterfinals. At that point, the tournament will follow a standard single elimination, knockout format.

Both Canada and Australia won their initial group-phase game on Saturday, with all three members of the Rockets playing well in those games. So, both sides are well positioned to eventually move on to the quarterfinals — and a win Tuesday could potentially clinch it.

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Jack McVeigh helps Australia to victory in Olympic game against Spain

The 2024 Paris Olympics are underway, with men’s basketball taking the floor on Saturday.

The 2024 Paris Olympics are underway, with men’s basketball taking the floor on Saturday. On the tournament’s opening day, one Husker helped his country to victory.

Jack McVeigh scored 13 points for Australia in its opening game against Spain. He shot 4-for-8 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. The Aussie also made two free throws.

McVeigh’s 13 points helped Australia start the tournament off strong. They defeated Spain 92-80, going up 1-0 in Group A. Australia faces off against Canada on Tuesday and Greece on Friday. The top eight following the group stage will advance to the quarterfinals.

McVeigh played for Nebraska from 2015 to 2018. Last season, McVeigh led the Tasmania JackJumpers of the NBL with 17.3 points per game, helping them to the NBL championship and earning himself Grand Final MVP. He recently signed with the Houston Rockets.

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Rockets’ Jack McVeigh helps Australia beat Spain in Olympic opener

Boasting a roster with nine NBA players, Australia leaned on its veterans to defeat Spain on Saturday to open the 2024 Olympic Games.

Boasting a roster with nine NBA players, Australia leaned on its veteran leadership to defeat Spain on Saturday to open the 2024 Olympic Games at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.

Houston Rockets forward Jock Landale produced a team-high 20 points and nine rebounds, free agent Patty Mills scored 19 points and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the 92-80 victory.

Australia also received strong contributions from Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (13 points, seven rebounds) and newly-signed Rockets forward Jack McVeigh (13 points, seven rebounds), who accounted for nearly all of its 15 bench points.

Australia controlled much of the contest and led by as many as 14 points. The team shot 50.8% from the field, compared to 39.1% for Spain, and held a 46-32 advantage in rebounding. It was also plus-12 in points in the paint over Spain.

Santi Aldama scored a game-high 27 points to lead Spain, while Sergio Llull had 17 points and Willy Hernangómez added 14 points. The group kept it close in the second half, and even led briefly, but was unable to pull ahead down the stretch.

After defeating Spain, Australia will face Canada next in Group A on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. EDT. The Boomers will wrap up the group phase of the tournament on Aug. 2 with Greece.

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Australian forward Jack McVeigh signs two-way contract with Rockets

Australian forward Jack McVeigh signed a two-way contract with the Rockets this week.

Australian forward Jack McVeigh, who was born in New South Wales, signed a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets this week, the team announced.

McVeigh, 28, attended high school in Australia before playing three years at Nebraska from 2015-2018. He has since played with several professional teams in the NBL1 North and National Basketball League, most recently with the Tasmania JackJumpers.

He led the JackJumpers to the NBL championship this past season after averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 42% shooting from 3-point range in 40 games. He was named the NBL Grand Final MVP and to the All-NBL second team.

McVeigh was among the 12 players selected to represent Australia in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. He averaged 8.5 points and 1.8 assists in six tune-up games, including a nine-point effort in a loss to the United States on July 15.

The 6-foot-8 forward previously played with Australia at the senior level twice, most recently in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers. He averaged 10 points, 2.3 rebounds and one assist in three appearances.

McVeigh will split his time between Houston and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League next season. He is eligible to be active for up to 50 games in the NBA and will earn a flat salary equal to 50% of the minimum salary applicable to a player with zero years of service.

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McVeigh signs contract with Houston Rockets

Forward Jack McVeigh has agreed to a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets. 

A former Nebraska basketball player has signed a contract to play in the NBA. Forward Jack McVeigh has agreed to a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets.

The Australian played three seasons for the Cornhuskers (2015-2018). He would appear in 78 games at Nebraska, averaging 5.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

McVeigh would depart Nebraska after his junior season due to reduced playing time and sign with the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League.

He would spend the 2024 season with the Tasmania JackJumpers. McVeigh averaged 16.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

He was named to the All-NBL Second Team and was also the MVP of the championship series. McVeigh recently earned a spot on a basketball team for the 2024 Paris Olympics representing his home country of Australia.

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