NBL: Why Scott Roth and Tasmania JackJumpers aren’t panicking

A Tasmania JackJumpers favourite will celebrate a major milestone when his side take on the ladder leading Illawarra Hawks on Tuesday night.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth won’t panic after Sunday’s loss. Photo: Linda Higginson/Getty Images.

Tasmania JackJumpers forward Reuben Te Rangi celebrated an NBL milestone, playing his 350th game, as his side took on the Illawarra Hawks on Tuesday night.

In his first season with the defending champions, Te Rangi has become known for his versatility, leadership and professionalism throughout his career.

His journey in the country’s best basketball competition started with the New Zealand Breakers in the 2012-13 season when he signed as a development player before earning his way onto the full roster a year later.

He was a championship winner in 2015.

“My favourite moment of my career was signing my first NBL contract and walking into the locker room. I was surrounded by players I idolised — C.J. Bruton, Mika Vukona, Cedric Jackson, and others. Being in the same room as them was surreal and inspiring,” Te Rangi said reflecting on the start of his career.

Throughout his career, he has also spent time with the Brisbane Bullets, winning the best sixth man and most improved player awards during the 2018-19 season.

A several-season stint with the South East Melbourne Phoenix followed.

Te Rangi is also a three-time title winner in the New Zealand NBL with the Auckland Tuatara.

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth paid tribute to Te Rangi describing him as a “veteran leader who has fed perfectly into our culture”.

“Reuben’s been a great teammate, a constant professional, and an outstanding presence in our community,” he said.

“Reaching 350 games speaks volumes about his skill and the longevity of his career.”

JACKIES REFUSING TO PANIC

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth knows all too well how quickly his side’s season could be turned on its head again.

After going down to the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday – ending an eight-game winning streak in the process – the reigning NBL champions can immediately bounce back against ladder leader Illawarra on Tuesday night.

Win and the JackJumpers move even closer to the squeeze which is towards the top of the table with just one win separating the top-four.

Roth’s JackJumpers sit in fifth place and after overcoming a horror start to the season, the championship winning coach knows there is only a fine margin for error.

“As we’ve done in the past, we just don’t overreact to too much,” Roth said.

“I don’t know what’s going to transpire, we could lose nine in a row, we could win nine in a row.

“Nothing is going to be given to you and that’s the way it should be.”

Sean MacDonald of Tasmania JackJumpers during Sunday’s game. Photo: by Linda Higginson/Getty Images.

Despite the loss against the Phoenix, Roth was upbeat for the turnaround his side had shown after starting the season 3-8.

“I know a lot of people like to brush it off and say stuff about that streak, we didn’t play anyone or whatever they think it is,” he said.

“But ultimately kudos to those guys, they left us dead and gone six weeks ago. For them (the players) to have the resilience to keep working and we’ll do that again.

“We’ll double down the stuff we do well.

“We’ll fight to the very end of what transpires. We don’t like losing but good things have to come to an end at some point.”

One of the positives for the JackJumpers out of the weekend’s loss was the improved performance of import Ian Hummer.

In the absence of Will Magnay, Roth is relying on him to play big minutes.

“Again we’re going to need him down this stretch to be even more productive in some areas,” he said.

Tuesday night’s game tips off at 7.30pm at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

Originally published as NBL: Why Scott Roth and Tasmania JackJumpers aren’t panicking