In their first official hitout for season 22-23, new imports MIlton Doyle and Rashard Kelly led the Tasmania JackJumpers to a 88-83 win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Ulvrestone Sports and Leisure Centre.
With plenty of new faces in the lineup, the JackJumpers still played “team-first” basketball with strong defensive game in their opening preseason match..
The JackJumpers lineup looked quite different, missing Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, Clint Steindl due to injury and Sam McDaniel resting from his MVP performance in the NBL1 South Grand Final.
The JackJumpers opened the game thanks the three pointer to new recruit Milton Doyle, and never gave up that lead for the remainder of the match. But despite leading by as much as 21 points in the second half, the Phoenix cut the lead to 4 points in the final minute of the game. A clutch step back from Doyle and some solid stops defensively was enough for the home side hang on.
New Recruits take center stage
The JackJumpers debuted five new faces on Tuesday, with most focus on new imports Milton Doyle and Rashard Kelly. Both players did not disappoint, with Kelly top scoring with 20 points and five rebounds, and Doyle 13 points, four assists and four rebounds.
Both showed early chemistry with their new teammates as the JackJumpers played their “team first” style of basketball. Doyle often being a step ahead and finding great passes for his team mates, while Kelly was working hard off the ball, getting open and getting rewarded with the basketball for easy points.
Injury replacements Isaac White and Tim Forsyth also made the most of their minutes off the bench. White was impressive with his defensive efforts on the Phoenix guards, and although struggling with his shot early, he ended with 12 points including knocking down back-to-back threes to really give the Tasmania the mometum in the third quarter.
Forsyth had his work cut out defending Phoenix new import Alan Williams, but more than held his own. He also got into good position on offense, drawing 4 fouls in just under 7 minutes of court time, that saw him get to the line three times, going 5/6 to finish with nine points and three rebounds.
For the development players, Sean MacDonald looked very comfortable as a a primary ball handler out there after a successful NBL1 season with the North West Tasmania Thunder, taking a number of good shots. Walter Brown didn’t seem overawed by the occasion in his first game. Still a very raw player, his defense was solid and should develop nicely as the season progresses. Josh Tomasi did not play.
Josh Magette had a good game but struggled with his shot, missing multiple layups and unable to connect from outside. But most importantly, he was able to find himself good shots all across the floor.
The Phoenix were in a siimlar position to the JackJumpers in that they were debiuting three new imports and missing key player Mitch Creek, and Ryan Brokerhoff playing just four minutes. Despiute fouling out, import forward Alan WIlliams looked very good in the post with 15 points. Fellow imports Try Kell (14 points, 4 assists) and Gary Browne (8 points, 4 assists) also had good patches, but took time to adjust to the officiating.
Key takeaways from the game
It was a solid first hitout for the JackJumpers particularly with so many new players on the squad. There was an expansion in their options at the offensive end with the injection of Doyle into the floor. His ability to drive to the ring and pass out provides lots of opportunity for all the JJ’s years on court. It also potentially gets the ball out of Magette’s hands and he’ll look for more open shots.
Coach Scott Roth would be fairly pleased, however allow the Phoenix back int the game with a 29-17 final quarter would be of concern.
The teams meet again on Thursday night at Launceston’s Elphin Sports Centre.
