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Jabs Newby re-signs with Saint John Riptide

Photo Credit: Kevin Jarrold / Windsor Express 
We think he's ready for a breakout season...
The Saint John Riptide have re-signed guard Jabs Newby

The 6-foot-2, 192-pound Brampton native is returning for his third straight season in the NBL Canada. Since being taken by the Mississauga Power with the second pick in the 2014 draft, he has joined three different teams in the league. He was named to the All-Rookie Team in his first season with the Power.

Newby is coming off a 2015-16 campaign with the Saint John Mill Rats, in which he averaged 3.3 points, 1.0 assists, and 0.5 rebounds. He saw only 10.4 minutes per game behind the team's packed backcourt of Anthony Anderson, Doug Herring, Jr., and Chris Smith. Earlier that season, he was a part of the Windsor Express but had to accept a lesser role.

This year, however, Newby is poised for success. He has improved physically, gaining weight and spending more time in the weight room. In addition, Newby has worked on expanding his game and improving his jump shot. He has even worked out with the D-League's Raptors 905 and played in the Nike Crown League in Toronto.

"We signed Jabs because we think he's ready for a breakout season," said Director of Basketball Operations Paul Vaughan. "Plus he's great in the community, leading our camps and clinics."

If Newby can prove himself this season, he could be set on a path to a bigger, more talented basketball league. Only last year, he tried out for Raptors 905 and made the training camp roster.

"My goal is to make it to highest level of basketball," said Newby. "I think I have the tools to get there. My job is to get better everyday to make that happen."

According to head coach Rob Spon, Newby will most likely act as a backup point guard. The Canadian's ability to play both guard positions has made him an asset off the bench. But regardless of how season six unfolds for him, the biggest goal in Newby's mind is to help the Riptide win their first championship.

"For this season, our team knows what to expect when it comes to post season time," he added. "We believe that we can get (to the conference finals) again and take care of business."

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