A pre-season with the Lakers and breakfast with Abdul-Jabbar: Meet Woodville’s Julian Jacobs

Written by Julia Montesano

Not many people can say they’ve had breakfast with one of basketball’s all-time legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but that’s a fantasy Woodville NBL1 Central recruit Julian Jacobs has lived out.

Being part of both the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers squads in 2016 meant the 26-year-old had the chance to rub shoulders with not only Abdul-Jabbar, but also the great Larry Bird in what he describes as a “surreal moment”.

“When I was in the States, I was around guys like Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram and Lou Williams,” Jacobs adds.

“It was so awesome to be competing against the best players in the world.”

Even though Jacobs was waived after just two pre-season appearances for the Lakers, he quickly learned that this was just the beginning of his wild basketball ride.

Just 18 days after he was waived, the point guard was acquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders (now South Bay Lakers), who played in the NBA Development League (now NBA G League), before moving to rival team Agua Caliente Clippers.

But his basketball career was soon cruelly halted, with a range of injuries forcing Jacobs to reconsider his next move.

After taking some time off to recover, he packed his bags and headed off to Tunisia to play in local city, Nabeul.

Unfortunately, his stint in Nabeul only lasted one game, with injury once again wreaking havoc. 

Luxembourg was Jacobs’ next stop, where he featured in two games and averaged eight points for local club, the Kordall Steelers.

Despite not being able to get out on the court much overseas, Jacobs says the experience was invaluable.

“Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been deeply appreciative of the opportunity,” he says.

“The first time playing abroad in Tunisia was awesome.

“I was staying right off the beach and that was amazing, I had everything I needed.

“Luxembourg was so cool because that country was close to France, so I would drive up to France every now and then.”

After heading back home to the United States due to the COVID-19 situation, Jacobs is ready to unleash for Woodville in the NBL1 Central competition in 2021.

“I am so grateful to be playing again,” he says.

“I had some time off and I wasn’t entirely sure if I would play again.

“When the opportunity presented itself to me, it was a no-brainer.

“It’s an honour to come into such a fun, warm and inviting culture like Australia and specifically, Adelaide.

“The NBL1 is a really competitive league and a really respectable league.”

After rediscovering his passion for hoops, Jacobs hopes to go above and beyond during his time down under.

“I definitely want to play in the NBL at some point, whether that’d be sooner or later,” the 26-year-old says.

“I’m looking so forward to being a part of the community and getting to know people and competing at a high level again.”

Jacobs joins fellow American import Joe Jackson on the Warriors’ NBL1 Central roster for the upcoming season.

Their season tips off on a massive April 10 opening night and with the Norwood Flames in their sights, it’s sure to be an exciting contest at St Clair Recreation Centre.