Tasmania JackJumpers ready for the new season

After going through the NBL Blitz undefeated, the Tasmania JackJumpers believe they are perfectly primed for the new season. Here’s the key lessons they learned.

The Tasmania JackJumpers look set to hit the ground running to start the NBL season.

Scott Roth’s side have enjoyed the perfect preparation to the new season after finishing the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament with three wins from three games.

The JackJumpers enjoyed wins over South East Melbourne Phoenix, New Zealand and Adelaide.

According to assistant coach Jack Fleming, the games taught the team in a variety of different ways.

“We got a lot out of our time on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“The game against the Phoenix was a real dogfight and we had to work our way through that. Against New Zealand, we faced a more physical opponent.

“Then against Adelaide we had to learn to come from behind. Those were all important lessons for our guys.”

In the final game against Adelaide, Roth elected for a different looking starting five with Clint Steindl and Fabijan Krslovic starting Jack McVeigh, Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford.

The 36ers, who had struggled in their first two games, took a large lead but the JackJumpers eventually fought back on the back of a strong third quarter.

“It was an interesting one, I kind of let them go and made them work it out. When you’re down by 20 and they’ve got all the momentum, you need the guys on the floor to work through that. I’m not going to call a time-out and tell them what to do,” Roth said.

The JackJumpers will now turn their attention to their season opener against the Perth Wildcats next Friday night.

“It’s always a tough test when you go over to Perth but it’s one we’re embracing,” Fleming said.

Originally published as Tasmania JackJumpers ready for the new season