NBL25: Scott Roth on the future of Tasmania JackJumpers skipper Clint Steindl

Tasmania coach Scott Roth is determined to get one of his leaders back for next season after a “career best” year. And the experienced mentor is keen for his side to play “spoilers”.

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth is determined to get Clint Steindl back. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth is determined to have captain Clint Steindl back next season.

The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but Roth believes he is continuing to play at a high enough level which suggests he can continue to contribute to his side.

Steindl provided an offensive spark in the second half of Thursday night’s loss to the Illawarra Hawks, finishing with 13 points including a spectacular dunk.

“We want him back next year,” Roth declared post-game.

“I thought Clint Steindl was fantastic tonight. He’s probably had one of the best seasons of his career, especially in the last four or five years.

“Of the minutes he’s been playing, the quality he’s been doing. He’s a bright spot for us.

“He’s a special human being and how he handles himself is a great thing.”

The off-season could be one of change for the JackJumpers with several key players out of contract.

Will Magnay, Sean Macdonald, Majok Deng, Walter Brown and Archie Woodhill are signed with club options in place for Anthony Drmic, Gorjok Gak and Brody Nunn.

Imports Jordon Crawford, Ian Hummer and Milton Doyle are all unsigned alongside Reuben Te Rangi, Fabijan Krslovic, Lachlan Barker and Nick Stoddart.

A mutual option between Steindl and the JackJumpers will decide his future.

“We’ll conversations to get him back,” Roth said.

“He’s an integral part of what’s been established here. He has some good mileage still in him.”

Majok Deng made a return from injury. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images.

Deng made his return from injury on Thursday night amid no training in recent weeks.

He finished with four points, all from the free throw line.

“I was quite scared to play him to be honest,” Roth said.

Roth was full of praise for Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum following the 102-78 loss, suggesting he should be right in the mix for individual honours.

“I hope they get into the grand final and I hope JT gets Coach of the Year,” he said.

“They’ve led from the front from the beginning.”

Tasmania will have a quick turnaround, facing finals bound Melbourne United on Saturday night.

“We’re trying to play spoilers in general,” Roth said.

“It’s going to be quite difficult again. They’re playing really good basketball.

“Our margin of error is zero.”

Saturday’s game tips off at 8pm.

Originally published as NBL25: Scott Roth on the future of Tasmania JackJumpers skipper Clint Steindl