Jackies ‘optimistic’ on big man injury returns

The Jackies haven’t completely shut the door on their star big men making a return from injury. Get the latest on their progress

Majok Deng remains a chance to return from injury. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)

The JackJumpers haven’t given up total hope star big man Majok Deng could make a shock injury return if they progress deep into playoffs.

In mid-December, the defending NBL champions ruled out Boomers centre Will Magnay for six to eight weeks after he broke his toe at practice.

Their front court took another hammer blow when in-form Deng was last week ruled out for with a fractured ankle.

Coach Scott Roth initially indicated Deng would likely be out for the season, but he could be back on deck for the back end.

He completed light shooting drills on Wednesday and Thursday, as the sixth-placed JackJumpers prepare for Saturday’s tough road clash against South-East Melbourne.

Assistant coach Jack Fleming said they’re “optimistic” about regaining Deng’s services.

“He’s spent the last two days doing some spot shooting which has been the first two days back for him,” Fleming said.

“It’ll be change of direction and getting used to the force now. We’ll reassess in about a week’s time and see how he’s tracking.

“He’s still got a fair few hoops to get through, obviously no contact practice. We’ll see how he goes next week and progress from there, but we’re optimistic.”

Magnay is less likely to make a comeback. If he does, Tasmania would have to go deep into the playoffs.

“It will be a situation probably past the play-in. If we get past the first one or two games, then we’ll assess from there,” Fleming said.

Fleming feels two wins in their last four games would put Tasmania in a strong position to play finals.

After the Phoenix, the Jackies take on Illawarra (home), Melbourne United (away) and Cairns (home).

“Logically two wins would put us in a really good position. It’s under our control so that’s a good thing,” Fleming said.

“They (Phoenix) have got a lot of scorers. We’ve got to slow them down in transition, make it a half court game, and a big thing for us has been keeping teams off the foul line.

“Can we defend at the rim without putting them on the line 30, 35 times. That will be a continual focus for us.”

Despite their mounting injury concerns, the Jackies were in front in the back end of their past two games at New Zealand and Sydney, but couldn’t seal the deal.

“We’ve put ourselves in winning positions in New Zealand and Sydney, we just have to be better for a little bit longer,” Fleming said.

“We’re backing the guys on the floor to do that.

“We’re lucky we’ve got a couple at home to finish off, and a game in Melbourne where we’ve played well previously before. There’s no reason we can’t get some W’s.”