The Tasmania JackJumpers are still reeling from a COVID outbreak within the team forcing the postponement of two matches this weekend.
This now brings a total of 4 matches postponed following 11 players and staff contracting COVID in early January.
The games impacted are a home game on Friday 14 December against the New Zealand Breakers, and an away game to the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday 16 January.
JackJumpers CEO Simon Brookhouse said “the affected players and staff are definitely over the worst of it, but the virus has impacted each individual differently and some do need a few more days to recover and return to court.”
“We have sought Public Health and medical advice, and we cannot risk their health or new injuries by putting them out on court prematurely” he said.
The last time the JackJumpers played was against Melbourne United on 1 January.
Breakers to play home games in Tasmania
But in good news for local basketball fans, the New Zealand Breakers will play a “home” game against the JackJumpers at MyState Arena on Wednesday 19 January.
The Breakers have played all “away”” games in Australia to begin the NBL season due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. But a statement from the Breakers on Tuesday advised “they were are facing the reality that they are likely to play all their ‘home’ games in Australia this season”.
Simon Brookhouse added “It will be a little bit unusual but New Zealand have been great. We need to help the Breakers, they’ve had two years on the road and I wouldn’t wish that upon anybody.”
The match against the JackJumpers is one of two games the Breakers play in Hobart in Round 7. They will first host Melbourne United on Friday 14 January in match that is closed to the public.
NBL Commissioner says COVID is challenge for all teams
Earlier in the week NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger explained on The Basketball Show the league is working with NBL clubs about COVID-19 and scheduling.
“We speak with every club every day essentially in terms of player availability now because there a couple of different things to take into account,” Mr Loeliger said
“Now the first is application of COVID protocols to players and whether or not they’re available for selection or whether they have to remain under quarantine.
“And the second, is whether or not they are up to actually playing. So they may be released from COVID protocols but still not ready to play per the advice of their team doctor or physio” he said.
Prior to the announcing the JackJumpers postponed matches, Mr Loliger also discussed the JackJumpers COVID outbreak.
“We are aware of the fact there is a number of guys down in Tasmania who have it [COVID-19] currently and we’re yet to see whether or not they’re going to be ok to actually play. And the next question is well can they sign replacement players on short notice..”
“But it all comes down to how many players are fit and whether or not they can make up…..close to full roster.
“We have a policy that says that there is a threshold below which we will consider postponing the game. But if they have sufficient players they will be expected to play the scheduled games,” Mr Loeliger said.
