JackJumpers celebrate historic first NBL championship victory

The NBL grand final series went down to the wire, but we have a champion: the Tasmania JackJumpers. What the victory means to Tasmanians.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 31: Majok Deng of the JackJumpers reacts during game five of the NBL Championship Grand Final Series between Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers at John Cain Arena, on March 31, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

They may have been underdogs going into the Grand Final series against the star-studded Melbourne United but NBL CEO David Stevenson says the victorious Tasmania JackJumpers have emerged from the fray as national heroes and their achievements will be etched in league folklore.

The Jackies’ maiden title was capped off with a two-point win at John Cain Arena in Melbourne on Easter Sunday, as guard Jordon Crawford propelled the club to the ultimate glory with a clutch 32-point showing.

During the championship presentation on Sunday evening, Stevenson hailed the JackJumpers as “the single most successful expansion sporting club in Australian history”.

“Tonight is the culmination of so much hard work and dedication by so many people and I know that you have become heroes across not only the state of Tasmania but this entire country,” he said.

JackJumpers fans Jasper Harvey 11, Hamish Stokman 8, Felix Harvey 8, Cooper Chaffey 8 and Matilda Stokman 12 at PW1. Picture: Chris Kidd

“To the players and coaches, led by [captain] Clint [Steindl] and [head coach] Scott [Roth] – congratulations. Your achievement will be written into the NBL’s history books and your dedication, passion and impact will long be remembered by this entire country.”

Spark plug forward Jack McVeigh took home the Most Valuable Player Award for the series and paid tribute to Tasmanians for accepting him as one of their own.

“Thank you, Tasmania, for embracing a kid from ‘Caba’ [Cabarita Beach]; the skinny kid with slow feet somehow standing up on this stage,” he said post-game.

JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan told the Mercury there had been a palpable “belief” within the group this season that they had what it took to win it all.

“Everybody plays a huge role in this, it’s not one person’s championship,” she said.

“This is Tasmania’s championship.

“We want Tasmania to celebrate this and we will share it with the state as we take the trophy around the state over the next few weeks and we want everyone to feel part of this celebration.”

Ms Finnegan said she was “so proud to lead a club that is built on authenticity and humility”.

Jackies fans were out in force on Hobart’s waterfront on Sunday, assembling en masse at live viewing sites from 2.30pm.

JackJumpers fans Emerson 13, Orlando 8 and Libby Burke at PW1. Picture: Chris Kidd

Hundreds of people gathered at PW1 to see the deciding game on the big screen, while others poured into pubs including the Telegraph Hotel, the Brick Factory, and the Pavilion.

Among those cheering the team on from PW1 were Libby Burke and her sons, Emerson, 13, and Orlando, 8.

Ms Burke, who coaches the Grenadiers Basketball Club’s under 10 side and under 14 development squad, said the JackJumpers’ monumental title win was a “very emotional moment” for her and her kids, who have spent the last three years following the team with fervour and devotion.

She said the three of them cried “happy tears” after the final buzzer sounded.

“We’ve been supporting the JackJumpers since they first started playing in Tasmania and have been at every game we can get to,” she said.

“It’s been a really wonderful thing to bring us really close and connected as a little family.”

“I coach both Emerson and Orlando in basketball so [the JackJumpers] have just been an absolute inspiration for my two sons to keep really determined and disciplined when it comes to their basketball and staying healthy and fit in general.”

JackJumpers fans Greg and Jen Cashin at PW1. Picture: Chris Kidd

Greg Cashin, of Connellys Marsh, also joined the throng at PW1, along with his wife Jen.

He said watching the deciding game unfold and ultimately end in victory was “better than an AFL Grand Final”.

“I thought when [Melbourne] got nine points in front that we couldn’t [win]. But [Will] Magnay stood up and [Jordon] Crawford was sensational,” he said.

Mr Cashin joked that Roth should be made “Premier for a day”.