Scott Roth says the NBL’s best should be playing in the NBA

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth believes more of the NBL’s best players should be given an NBA opportunity in a passionate post-match address. Here’s what he said.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth believes more NBA teams should be willing to take a chance on the NBL’s most experienced and best players.

In recent seasons, the national competition has been a starting point for many promising stars through the Next Stars program.

That includes Australia’s own Josh Giddey and now Perth Wildcats youngster Alex Sarr who is tipped to be a top-five NBA Draft pick next year.

But Roth believes NBL stars including Bryce Cotton and the JackJumpers own Milton Doyle have proven they have the ability to mix in with the world’s best.

After his side’s 103-73 thumping of Illawarra on Thursday night, Roth offered an ambitious response on just how far the league’s best players could go.

Milton Doyle put on a show for the JackJumpers. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“I always get a tickle in general. You get someone like him or Bryce Cotton, these guys should be in the NBA,” he said.

“But the thing is, they’re not the hot item. They (NBA teams) want the young kid that’s 18/19-years-old kid come all the way to Australia (and) scout.

“They’re not coming back to tell the GM, ‘we got to sign Milton Doyle at 30’. They’re just not doing that. He can play in the NBA, there’s no question about it.

“There’s multiple guys over here that can play in the NBA at their age but they don’t get a chance because everyone wants the hot, new toy.

“It’s unfortunate, it’s great for us. We saw what we believed was a really good basketball player and he proved it last year.”

Doyle was again a standout for the JackJumpers with 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists as Roth’s men underlined their title credentials to start the season.

Roth credited Doyle’s mentality as one of the key reasons for his start to the season.

“He has this silent assassin kind of image with him,” he said.

“He doesn’t get rattled, he plays at his own pace and if we’re up 20 or down 20, you wouldn’t know by looking at him.

“He really empowers our players also.”

Scott Roth had some strong words after the game. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

New JackJumpers guard Jordon Crawford was equal in his praise for Doyle.

He said he had allowed him to settle into a new system with ease.

“When you’ve got a guy like Milton Doyle on the team, it’s a lot easier,” he said.

“He can hit big shots, make big plays. I’m playing off him and if I can focus more on the defensive end and getting after guys.”

While Doyle was again terrific, there were also positive signs for Majok Deng who added 14 points off the bench in just 16 minutes of playing time.

“The good news is no one wanted him, except the JackJumpers,” Roth said.

“He’s a piece of gold that we have. And he fits into our exact style – a family guy, grounded, loves what he does.

“Wanted another opportunity to come back and prove people wrong that bypassed on him.

“I can’t say enough good things about him.”

The JackJumpers return to action against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday night in Melbourne.