Posted on 6 April, 2021

Kilsyth junior turned music star Jackson Brazier is returning to the hardwood, signing with the Cobras for the 2021 NBL1 season.

Brazier returns to Kilsyth following a four-year hiatus, as he pursued a career in music. From 2014 to 2016, Brazier established himself as one of the SEABL’s top sixth-men and wing defenders, providing a major spark off the bench for the Cobras with his boundless energy, ability to slash to the basket and cat-like quickness in the passing lanes.

Despite a lengthy break, Cobras head coach Pete Godfrey believes Brazier is ready to pick up where he left off and be a big contributor for the season ahead.

“Jackson’s a former VYC champ, SEABL runner up, and from my perspective it’s actually all still ahead for him, basketball-wise,” Godfrey said.

“He’s a versatile and rangy swingman with the smarts to arrive where the ball is headed, and has the pace and length to be able to guard multiple positions. I am really looking forward to seeing where Jacko goes throughout 2021 in his return season; it could be something quite special.”

Godfrey discussed the process of recruiting the Brazier back to Kilsyth – one which started over a podcast.

“I listen to a podcast where Jackson fondly mentions Kilsyth and perhaps – just a little tongue-in-cheek – raises the prospect of playing again one day. Me being me, that’s enough to reach out and check in with him,” Godfrey said.

“So before all of us knew what 2020 had in store for us, Jacko and I had agreed that the door at Liverpool road was wide open for him to come down and train with the group, when he could fit it in with his other commitments. Leap to preseason 2021, and after a couple of sessions on court, the fire started to burn a whole lot brighter.

“Suffice to say, he’s back.”

During Brazier’s time away from basketball, he enjoyed some significant breakthroughs in the world of music. Known by the stage name ‘JXN’, the Mooroolbark Flashes junior has seen his music career take off, with his first debut single ‘Solitude’ surpassing 7 million streams on Spotify, while his five released tracks to date have exceeded a combined 11 million streams. And while his music career is still alive and well, ‘JXN’ is committed to the same success with his home club for the 2021 season.

“It feels amazing being back on the floor; it’s definitely something I have missed the feel of over the last four years,” Brazier said.

“I’m Looking forward to the challenges that this season holds, and I think we have a lot of talent in the group where we could push and take on anyone. It’s great being back in a team situation in all aspects – the boys are all legends and I don’t think I’ll ever stop wanting to play this sport.”

Brazier is latest local star to join the Cobras at the NBL1 level, with Godfrey’s team now boasting seven players who played their junior domestic and representative basketball at Kilsyth. Brazier, along with Joel Naburgs, Ben Ursich, Jorden Adnam, Adi Tomada, Mitch Dielemans and Corey Jeffs have all come through the Junior Cobras program, while Cobras 200 Game Club member Tim Lang has also returned to the club he considers home.

The Cobras tip-off their much-anticipated 2021 NBL1 regular season at home on Saturday April 17 when they play host to the Waverley Falcons.