Tasmanian basketball ‘bloodlines’ recognised as NBL club celebrates past while preparing for 2021-22

The Tasmania JackJumpers have announced the formation of a ‘Bloodlines’ group, honouring the contribution made in basketball from a host of individuals across the state.

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THE JackJumpers’ commitment to unifying the state ahead of its NBL re-entry has commenced with coach Scott Roth creating a “Bloodlines” group to celebrate Tasmania’s basketball history.

A dozen initial members from across the state have been chosen to start the JackJumpers Bloodlines, including North-West Coast stalwarts Sam and Ben Armstrong, Chargers coach Anthony Stewart, 1984 Olympian and three-time WNBL MVP Kathy Foster and Sarah Veale.

Anthony Stewart is one of 12 inaugural members of the Tasmania JackJumpers “bloodlines” group. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Since I’ve been in this role and moved around Tasmania I’ve been struck by the rich heritage of basketball in the state,” Roth said.

“There are so many people who have contributed to making the game what it is here today.

“We want to bring them together and recognise their enormous contribution but also harness their incredible skills and knowledge as we build an NBL team that all Tasmania can be part of and be proud of.”

JackJumpers chief executive Simon Brookhouse said the group would continue to expand to recognise the contribution made from those within Tasmanian basketball.

Foster, who played for Australia between 1981 and 1988, was vice-captain from 1983 until her retirement and is an Australian Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, was honoured to be recognised as Tasmania gears up to rejoin the NBL for the first time since 1995.

“I am really excited that NBL basketball is returning to Tasmania,” she said.

1984 Olympian Kathy Foster.

“Scott Roth has been a breath of fresh air and has been working hard to ensure that Tasmanian basketball history is acknowledged and that staff and recruits to the JackJumpers are exposed to past players, coaches, etc and their stories.

“Personally, it has been really great to be acknowledged and to be given a chance to participate in Tassie’s next basketball venture.

“I loved playing the game and hope that the Bloodlines project and the JackJumpers inspire young players to work hard to reach the top level in this great sport.”

Roth, who continues to work behind the scenes in preparation for assembling his first roster, landed the JackJumpers some big international exposure earlier this week when Toronto Raptors commentators Matt Devlin and Jack Armstrong gave the club a plug during the NBA match against Memphis.

North-West Coast stalwart Sam Armstrong is also a member of the Tasmania JackJumpers “bloodlines” group.

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