Game Details
Round One, Tasmania JackJumpers (0-1) vs Cairns Taipans (0-0)
7.30pm AEDT Monday 3 October @ John Cain Arena
Watch LIVE on ESPN via via Kayo or Foxtel, Listen LIVE on Cluch Radio
Game context
It’s the home opener for the JackJumpers at MyState Bank Arena as they look to bounce back from Saturday night’s loss to the Phoenix. They host the Cairns Taipans, who are playing thier first game for NBL23. Taipans coach Adam Forde has made several changes in the offseason, with a much younger squad and new imports Shannon Scott and DJ Hogg as they re-tool from last season’s 10th place position.
The JackJumpers had some good signs on court in thier loss to the Phoenix, but also a few areas to work on. Inside the paint was a concern as they lost he rebounds 43-33 but also allowed 29 foul shots attempts to nine of thier own. The Taipans don’t quite have the dominant front line players of Mitch Creek and Alan Williams, but they do have plenty of talent who can penetrate the key. Keanu Pinder will be a handful inside for the JackJumpers, last years Most Improved Player is looking for big NBL23
It was a slow start on Saturday against the Phoenix that saw the Tasmania down 28-16 in the first quarter break. They played catch up basketball for the remainder of the game, and fell short despite winning each of the following three quarters.
Lineups
Tasmania Both still have ongoing injury concerns and are missing key players Will Magnay, Clint Steindl and Sam McDaniel. However, as its a JackJumpers home game all remaining players all be available.
We understand the Taipans have no major injury concerns and will be full strength coming into the game. It will be a new era for the Taipans, playing without long time point guard Scott Machado or Nate Jawai for the first time in several seasons.
What has been said
“I think all the teams in the league are quite talented this year, they’ve continued every year since I’ve been in league. Everyone is getting better – better athletes, better players better imports. I really like the team that Fordey’s [Adam Forde] put together with a lot of young, lively guys over there and they’ll be a handful if they’re healthy,” JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said.
“We wanted to attract competitive dudes, and now we’ve got them here and its trying to get them all together. Be competitive – compete for every possession, don’t worry about the result. Bring it to practice, bring it to games. once we get an understanding of that competitiveness is like, then we get win.” Taipans coach Adam Forde on this squad for this season.
Last time they met
Tasmania 87 d Cairns 80
8 April 2022, Round 19, MyState Bank Areana
The JackJumpers were on a late charge for finals, and had a very winnable game against the 10th place Taipans. But Cairns didn’t care for ladder positions, as they dominated inside the paint in the first half through Nate Jawai, Keunu Pinder and Bul Quol. They had a 49-40 lead at the break, with the JJ’s defense struggling to stop the scoring inside. But a 26-10 third quarter, led by seven baskets from outside and put Tasmania on thier way to victory. Jack Mcveigh led the JackJumpers with 16 points, but had 7 team mates with 8 points of more.
The teams met earlier this month at the Blitz, with Tasmania winning 100-82. Cairns had several key players resting, while Tasmania. The JackJumpers won the game through 25 points from Jack Mcveigh and a huge 50-32 rebound advantage.