Scott Roth believes he has put a side together which can threaten for Tassie’s second NBL title

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth opens up about the roster changes and losses of several big names ahead of the upcoming NBL season along with the potential of another star on the verge of an NBA dream.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth is confident his side can be an NBL title threat next season despite the loss of several players.

After a horror run with injury, the JackJumpers missed the playoffs a year on from winning the title.

The headline departure was Milton Doyle who has joined rivals Melbourne United.

“In the Milt situation, we just could not get to a friendly number for the both of us,” Roth said.

“We’ve lost four guys that are hugely important with Clint Steindl obviously being with me the longest and bringing him in from Perth and then Fab (Fabijan Krslovic) for four years and then obviously Milt for three then JC (Jordan Crawford) for two.

Scott Roth Head Coach of the Jackjumpers is confident his side can be an NBL title threate next season. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“Those guys have been critical in the foundation that’s been laid here and each conversation was a little bit different but all of them were ones of appreciation.

“I think with basketball in general, moving on in our sport is quite common and guys have to make their decisions and the club has to also make decisions.”

There is also the potential loss of Will Magnay to consider with the big man pushing for an NBA deal, currently training in the United States.

“There are about four or five players that I think that are over in the Summer League market, whether it be Salt Lake City or going into Las Vegas,” Roth said.

“Will is with Memphis and going through some training with them, although very light and being evaluated by them.

“All those players are going over there for one purpose, they’re trying to make an NBA roster, which is fantastic.

“It is great exposure for him and great exposure for the club and if we lose him, that’s going to be a wonderful story again for us of what’s going on here for the past four years.

“And if he comes back, we are going to love him to death and probably have a great season around him.”

Roth said it isn’t bittersweet for him to lose players like Magnay to a potential NBA contract.

“I’m well over the fact of trying to have my ego being in the way of something like that, these guys are chasing their dreams,” Roth said.

“As a coach when you see players fulfil potential that they didn’t know they had inside of them or the work that our assistant coaches and staff do to get these guys to another level, those are the most exciting moments for me.”

The JackJumpers will have a mini camp once the players return later this month in the northwest of Tasmania.

Originally published as Scott Roth believes he has put a side together which can threaten for Tassie’s second NBL title