Launceston’s legacy inspires JackJumpers in crucial NBL clash with South East Melbourne

JackJumpers ready to fix third-quarter woes and ignite championship mojo in Friday Night Face-Off against Phoenix. Here’s what they said.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 26: Milton Doyle of the Jackjumpers takes a free throw during the round six NBL match between Brisbane Bullets and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, on October 26, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The JackJumpers are hoping to win back-to-back games for the second time this season as they channel the championship-winning mojo of Launceston Casino City in their crucial NBL match against South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Silverdome on Friday night.

As they pursue their own title defence, the Jackies will wear the distinctive Casino City strip as a tribute to the all-conquering 1981 Launceston team.

Tasmania JackJumpers in the tribute strip they will wear against Phoenix in Launceston. Picture JackJumpers

JackJumpers assistant-coach Jack Fleming said the team could not wait to honour a past Tasmanian championship team.

“I love the red shorts,” he said.

“And I can’t wait to see [coach] Scott Roth in a yellow polo.” Fleming said.

Tasmania’s first half form has been positive in its first eight games but its third quarters have been something of an Achilles heel, particular since the loss of championship guard Sean Macdonald with an ankle injury.

“Being down a guard means that Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford have played some longer, extended minutes than maybe we would have liked,” Fleming said.

“At the moment it’s our focus to follow through with our game plan and our discipline _ we can control those things.

“We are looking forward to seeing what we can do against South East Melbourne and put together 40 minutes of basketball.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Sean Macdonald of the JackJumpers handles the ball against Ian Clark of United during game four of the NBL Championship Grand Final Series between Tasmania JackJumpers and Melbourne United at MyState Bank Arena, on March 28, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

“But we are down a guard so we are trying to solve those problems at the moment.”

The win over the Bullets in Brisbane last weekend could not have come at a better time.

Phoenix has changed coaches and that could additional spell danger to the JackJumpers.

“They’ve had a positive streak their past three games since the interim head coach changed, playing good basketball and probably going to have lots of energy coming into this game,” Fleming said.

“We are going to have to be on top of it early. The rebounding will be a key factor and we will have to control that area of the game.”

The team has been impressed with the integration of US import, guard Craig Sword.

“His adjustment to not foul and use his length and be disruptive on those bigger American guards, especially in the Brisbane game, has been particularly impactful,” Fleming said.

“He was obviously very pleased to see the ball go in from the three-point line as well.

“So his energy off the bench is going to be important coming into this double-header on the weekend.”