The Tasmania JackJumpers new-look squad began its preseason strongly, defeating the visiting Melbourne United 79-63 in Ulverstone on Monday night.
In the first of a two-game series in Northern Tasmania, the JackJumpers were able to showcase a number of new faces to the local supporters, as they look to return to the playoffs for a third straight year in NBL24.
Despite a number of players missing through injury, national duty, or resting, it was much hyped import Jordan Crawford who stole the show for the JackJumpers. The American scored 15 points on 7-11 shooting, with his speed and versatility around the basket a highlight for the Ulverstone crowd. Early chemistry with a number of JackJumpers players was also evident, as they consistently were able to find Crawford cutting to the rim and attacking the basket.
With Marcus Lee, Will Magnay, Clint Steindl resting and Walter Brown (New Zealand), Majok Deng (South Sudan) and Junior Madut (South Sudan) all on duty at the FIBA basketball World Cup, it allowed Coach Scott Roth to spread court time across all remaining 11 JackJumpers.
After spending the off season taking a leading role with the Darwin Salties in NBL1 North, Sean MacDonald looked ready t step up his game once again for NBL 24. He knocked down a game high 20 points along with 6 rebounds and 4 steals. He will once again push Roth for minutes, and will form an important guard rotation with expected starters Crawford and Milton Doyle.
The JackJumpers jumped out of the blocks in the first quarter, heading to a 31-16 lead at the fist break after some hot shooting from Fabian Krslovic and MacDonald.
The game was looking to blow out for the understrength United, who were fielding just four roster players Brad Newley, Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen and Ariel Hukporti. The remainder if the side was made up of development players and training players.
However, the inexperienced United squad were able to raise their efforts at both ends of the floor as they kept the score 48-31 at the half. The second half saw both coaches go deep into their benches and try a number of different line ups. Campbell Blogg was impressive for united, leading the team with 18 points and 3 steals, and was the teams main outside threat (4-9 3PT).
After leading 65-45 after three quarters, Tasmania turned the screws on united to expend the lead to 28 on a 12-4 run. But some late fight from United saw them go on their own 12-2 run for somewhat more respectable final score of 79-63.
New JackJumpers hit the floor
The game also marked Tasmanian debuts for NBL veterans Anthony Drmic and Majok Majok, who joined the club in the of season will both be key role players in the squad.
There also was a distinct local flavour of the game, with Tassie locals Jacob Richards and Lauchie Barker seeing extended minutes. Richards was the last development player added to the team, after spending two season training with the JackJumpers, while Barker joined the club as a nominated replacement player. This means Barker will train with he team full time, but can only be added to the roster if a payer is injured. While Richards was awarded a development player
Overall verdict
Although the JackJumpers looked good, its hard to really judge them against an NBL side that was a shade of what they would look like in proper season mode. However, they can only play the team that is put in front of them. They put the sword to them early, and coasted for the remaining three quarters as they played with multiple lineups.
What was noticeable the speed of their offence really picking up at times. We are more accustomed to the JJ’s slower, well executed plays and finding the right shot. With a number of offensive minded player recruited in the off-season (Crawford, Drmic, Deng) and the increased offence of MacDonald , we saw a lot of fast breaks and one-two pass offences.
The two teams meet again on Wednesday night 30 August in Launceston.
