Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth says NBL championship ‘moment of my life’

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has guarded Magic Johnson and coached Stephen Curry but he says no moment in his life has been sweeter than winning the NBL championship.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth with the NBL trophy following the team’s fan appreciation day. Picture: Linda Higginson / Tasmania JackJumpers

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has opened up about the team’s maiden championship and what it means to him personally, saying it has eclipsed his time playing in the NBA as “the moment of my life”.

In an interview with former NBL MVP Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams on his podcast, Upfront, Roth, 60, said establishing himself as a rotation player in the best league in the world had previously been his crowning glory.

He played for three years in the NBA – from the 1987-88 season to 1989-90 – with stints for the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves

“I’ve always said the biggest moment for me in sports was this white scruffy kid from the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio making the NBA when everyone else said, ‘There’s no way you can make the NBA – you’re not going to be in the top 280 players in the world. No-one does that where we’re from’,” he said.

Tasmania JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan and coach Scott Roth with the NBL trophy. Picture: Linda Higginson / Tasmania JackJumpers

“My first game at the Forum, I guarded [Los Angeles Lakers guard] Magic Johnson and next thing you know, I’m just in the NBA for the next few years. That was the moment for me. But this [JackJumpers championship] is really the moment of my life.”

Roth, who went on to serve as an assistant coach for numerous NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors, said his time in Tasmania so far had been “wonderful”.

“I’ve said before, whether we win or lose or we are the champions, that’s going to validate myself as a coach – but inspiring people and to rally something like this big of a state will hopefully be my legacy,” he said.

Tasmania JackJumpers thank the home crowd at MyState Bank Arena on Monday 1st April 2024. Crowds of fans at MyState Bank Arena. Picture: Linda Higginson / Tasmania JackJumpers

As the Jackies continue to bask in the glory of their championship win, work has already begun in earnest to ensure that the team is primed for next season’s campaign to defend their title.

JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan told the Mercury on Tuesday that exit interviews would be conducted with the players this week before the team’s MVP Gala Ball – where team and individual achievements will be recognised – is held at MyState Bank Arena on Friday night.

Ms Finnegan said almost 500 people had signed up to attend the ball, with ticket sales now closed.

Tasmania JackJumpers thank the home crowd at MyState Bank Arena on Monday 1st April 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson / Tasmania JackJumpers

“It’s certainly going to be a big event,” she said.

“And then the majority of [the players] will leave the island or go off to have a bit of a break before they join the NBL1 clubs or go and play in Europe, et cetera.”

The Jackies boss said Roth would remain in Tasmania until the end of April and work had begun to organise a statewide championship tour, which will see the Dr John Raschke Trophy paraded across the island, being held aloft at schools, businesses, and other venues.

Ms Finnegan said the team hoped everyone in Tasmania would be able to celebrate the championship with them, from those in the North and North-West to people living on the Bass Strait Islands.