Jackies add new retro kit to honour the days of the Devils

The JackJumpers are preparing to turn back the clock with special retro jerseys in two upcoming games. Find out when they’ll rock the special kits and why

The JackJumpers are going retro. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

MEMORIES of the Hobart Tassie Devils’ will resonate across the state from next week as the JackJumpers don a specially designed heritage strip to honour the history of basketball in Tasmania.

The Jackies will wind back the clock for two home games as part of NBL Heritage Round as they grace the court with uniforms inspired by the popular Devils who represented Tasmania in the NBL throughout the 1980s and 90s until their demise in 1996.

Rashard Kelly, Isaac White, and Fabijan Krslovic in the Hobart Tassie Devil inspired strip they’ll wear as part of NBL Heritage Round. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We’re really proud to release this jersey and I think it will evoke a lot of emotion in many people who were heavily invested in the Devils and in basketball in Tasmania” JJs general manager of basketball Jorrick Chivers said.

“Tasmanians were starved of NBL basketball for 26 years, but we know the fans are just as passionate and we’re really proud to have captured that passion and support throughout the first two seasons of the JackJumpers, so it’s really special to be able to honour the last team that played in the league” Chivers said.

The throwback jerseys, which will be for sale at MyState Bank Arena, will be worn for the Jackies clash with the Adelaide 36ers in Hobart on Thursday and their clash with South East Melbourne at the Silverdome on January 18.

“Round 16 is the League-wide Heritage round but we made a special request to the NBL to wear the jersey twice as we thought it was really important to honour the rich history of basketball right across the state,” Chivers said.

“The JackJumpers will be the only team to wear their Heritage Round jersey in two home games.”

The JackJumpers new Heritage Round playing strip is based off the Devils kit pictured here being worn by American Calvin Talford in 1994.

Chivers said the initiative was particularly touching for him and his family, with his dad and current JJs team manager Mark Chivers, a former assistant coach with the Devils.

“The jersey is particularly special for me and my family as the Devils were a huge part of my family growing up and I feel very nostalgic and honoured to be able to bring it back to life in this way,” he said.

His dad Mark is also one of 19 members of the JackJumpers’‘Bloodlines’ - an initiative started by coach Scott Roth to celebrate and honour people who have significantly contributed to the past and ongoing success of basketball in the state.

The JackJumpers will recognise the Bloodlines members and their contributions throughout the Heritage Round home games, as well as honour Tasmania’s three former NBL clubs – Hobart Tassie Devils (1987-1996), Launceston City Casino Tigers (1980-1982) and Devonport Warriors (1983-1984).