‘Extremely hard to stop’: Tasmania JackJumpers captain Clint Steindl on import Jordon Crawford

A Tasmania JackJumpers import has received praised from the team captain in the wake of a match winning performance.

Tasmania JackJumpers captain Clint Steindl has praised the scoring ability of imports Jordon Crawford and Milton Doyle in the wake of Sunday’s big win over Sydney.

The JackJumpers defeated the Kings for the second time this season, knocking off the reigning champions 105-95, to jump to second on the NBL ladder with a 4-2 record.

The 105 points was also the Ants highest ever score.

Jordon Crawford’s (front) impact has been praised by JackJumpers captain Clint Steindl. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

That was thanks in part to a stellar performance from Crawford with the American dropping 32 points, which included four consecutive three pointers to start the final quarter.

Doyle also continued his hot start to the NBL24 season with 17 points, two rebounds and two assists with the duo continuing to put themselves in the conversation for the best back-court duo in the league.

It’s been a strong introduction to life as a JackJumper for Crawford who replaced fellow American and former vice-captain Josh Magette in the line-up this year.

And while many may think both play a similar on court role in terms of position, Steindl said what Crawford was contributing now couldn’t be compared to what Magette brought to the side in its first two seasons.

“The scoring punch from both of those guys (Crawford and Doyle) is definitely there,” he said.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 22: Jordon Crawford of the JackJumpers drives to the basket under pressure from Jordan Hunter of the Kings during the round four NBL match between Sydney Kings and Tasmania JackJumpers at Qudos Bank Arena on October 22, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

“Clearly a bit of a different a role (Crawford) plays than what ‘Jet’ (Josh Magette) did for us and we definitely don’t discount him (Magette) because he was massive in what he did for this club. It’s just a different role and different type of player that we’ve brought in.”

Steindl said that while he had no doubts teams would start working out the way Crawford moves on the floor, he was confident the talented 33 year-old had the ability to continue to influence games across the course of the season no matter how much attention he was receiving.

“He (Crawford) is a competitor,” Steindl said.

“He understands what he needs to do out on the floor and how to play within the system. He is playing very aggressively right now and that’s what we need him to do.

“Teams are going to scout him though, like they have with Milton (Doyle), and they are going to put things in place to make other guys beat them.

“But ‘JC’ is the type of guy that is able to play off the dribble, find gaps and space and create his own space and I’m sure he is going to keep doing it because he is extremely hard to stop.”

The JackJumpers returned home on Monday ahead of a blockbuster Friday night clash at MyState Bank Arena against fellow top-two side Melbourne United.

After already knocking off the ladder leaders at John Cain Arena earlier this month, another win would continue to solidify Tasmania as a genuine championship contender this season.

But Steindl understands Friday’s game won’t be any walk in the park.

“It always is (a battle) against Melbourne (United) no matter where it is played,” he said.

“They have a lot of fire power over there and have welcomed back (Jo) Lual-Acuil but come Friday night we will be geared up and ready to go.”

Friday’s clash kicks off at 7:30pm.