Tasmania JackJumpers need to improve energy levels against Sydney Kings, says assistant coach Jarrad Weeks

Fresh off a franchise record defeat, the JackJumpers have returned back to Tasmania ready to face NBL heavyweights, Sydney Kings. Here’s how they plan to get their championship defence back on track.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 12: William Hickey of the Hawks drives to the basket under pressure from Jordon Crawford of the JackJumpers during the round four NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Tasmania JackJumpers at WIN Entertainment Centre on October 12, 2024 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Days removed from a record franchise defeat, Tasmania JackJumpers assistant coach Jarrad Weeks is confident a higher output in energy levels and intensity will see the group respond strongly against Sydney Kings in Launceston on Friday night.

The reigning NBL champions were handed a 33-point smacking in round 4 by Illawarra with the margin eclipsing a 32-point loss to New Zealand in October 2022 as the biggest in the JackJumpers’ four NBL seasons.

It was an uncharacteristic showing from Tasmania who didn’t lose a game by double digits last season but have now lost two this year by over 10 points.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 12: William Hickey of the Hawks dribbles the ball under pressure from Craig Sword of the JackJumpers during the round four NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Tasmania JackJumpers at WIN Entertainment Centre on October 12, 2024 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Currently sitting eighth on the table with a 2-3 record, the JackJumpers face a tough double this weekend with an away clash also set for Sunday against Adelaide.

They’ll then face Brisbane on October 26 before returning to the Silverdome to host South East Melbourne on November 1.

Speaking on Wednesday, Weeks said they had looked over the tape and understood where they went wrong against the Hawks and was confident not much needed to change to put in an improved showing at the Silverdome.

“They (Illawarra) obviously played very, very well and we didn’t play as well, but it starts with our energy levels,” Weeks said.

“I think they jumped us and we just couldn’t compete with our energy and it becomes very hard to try and beat them if we can’t compete on that level.

“I think just playing with a bit more energy (will be massive this week). Going back to trying to represent the fans the best we can and get back to the grit and grind that we’re used to seeing in the JackJumpers.”

While they may be the NBL’s newest franchise, the JackJumpers have built up a strong rivalry with the Kings since entering the league.

Defeating Tasmania to win the NBL Championship in 2021-22, the Kings were widely tipped by many to add another title to their stacked trophy cabinet this season following the appointment of Brian Goorjian as coach and the return of former MVP Xavier Cooks.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 13: Xavier Cooks of the Kings shoots during the round four NBL match between Sydney Kings and Cairns Taipans at Qudos Bank Arena on October 13, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

And after a 4-2 start to the season from the Kings, they remain a championship favourite with Weeks making no secret that shutting down Cooks would be a focus heading in.

“Obviously they’ve got a very deep roster. (It’s) one of the main benefits of that group,” he said.

“Obviously Xavier Cooks is a former MVP and he’s a very tough match-up. He’s very diverse and can score in a couple of different ways. So, yeah, he’s obviously going to be one of our focus points.”

Tip-off for Friday’s clash is at 7.30pm.