JackJumpers announce ‘unorthodox’ leadership group ahead of NBL23

A new face will join some familiar ones in the Tasmania JackJumpers leadership group ahead of NBL23 with the make-up of the group announced on Tuesday. SEE THE LEADERS HERE>>>

THE TASMANIA JackJumpers have announced their leadership group for NBL23 with Clint Steindl re-elected as captain alongside co-vice captains Jarrad Weeks and Josh Magette.

Often described as the Jackies ‘floor general’, Magette joins last season’s vice-captain Weeks in the role with the American honoured by the decision.

“I’m greatly honoured to be voted in by the guys, to have their faith and trust in me, and I hope I can repay that,” Magette said.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Josh Magette of the JackJumpers (L) drives at the basket during game three of the NBL Grand Final series between Sydney Kings and Tasmania JackJumpers at Qudos Bank Arena on May 11, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“Anybody who plays the point guard naturally takes on some leadership but as last season went on, I found my voice more and I’m just excited to continue to grow with this group.

Last year’s NBL finalists are currently on a pre-season camp on the state’s North-West Coast with the decision announced to the group around a team bonfire.

“Scott (coach Scott Roth) brought us together right before we ate to announce it and it was a pretty special feeling, just to know what went into it, and just to know how great Clint and ‘Weeksy’ are at their jobs so to be a part of that is really special” Magette said.

While Roth said it was unorthodox that an import is part of the leadership group, he felt it showed the respect Magette had earned in his debut season for the Jackies.

Coach Scott Roth during the JackJumpers grand final series against the Sydney Kings at MyState Bank Arena. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We’re thrilled to announce our captaincy group ahead of our second season. Clint and Weeksy did a phenomenal job last season, they really helped instil the culture and work ethic that underpinned the success both on the court and in the community,” Roth said.

“I’m really delighted that Josh has been voted in by the group. He’s a proven on-court leader, dictating our plays and giving every single player more confidence in their role.

“It is a little bit unusual that an import is part of the leadership group, but I think it speaks to his character and the respect the guys have for him.”

JackJumpers co-vice captain Jarrad Weeks and captain Clint Steindl. Picture: Chris Kidd

Steindl said it was an honour to take on the captaincy title for a second year while Weeks was delighted to share the vice-captaincy role with Magette.

The JackJumpers will face the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Ulverstone on Tuesday in their first of two pre-season practice matches against the Phoenix ahead of the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament kicking off in Darwin next Friday.

They kick off their NBL23 season on Saturday October 1 in Melbourne against the Phoenix before a home game two days later against the Cairns Taipans at MyState Bank Arena on Monday October 3.