Tasmania JackJumpers set to be without Sean Macdonald for “up-to” three months with sprained ankle
Tasmania JackJumpers have suffered a major injury blow ahead of Thursday night’s season opener with a replacement player’s return to the club also confirmed. See the details.
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Tasmania JackJumpers star Sean Macdonald is set to miss “up-to” three months of the NBL25 season with the news confirmed on the eve of the NBL champions season opener against Melbourne United.
Macdonald suffered a sprained left ankle in the JackJumpers final clash at the FIBA Intercontinenal Cup last week.
Former JackJumpers player Lachie Barker has now rejoined the club as a replacement player with the Tasmanian linking up with the roster in Perth ahead of Thursday night’s clash against United.
Craig Sword will also be unavailable for Round 1 due to concussion and will be reassessed prior to the JackJumpers first home game on September 28.
Speaking earlier this week, head coach Scott Roth revealed Macdonald wasn’t the only injury concern heading into the season but wouldn’t confirm who else may be in danger of missing the opening rounds.
While an injury-hit roster isn’t ideal, captain Clint Steindl believes it presents an opportunity for someone to step up.
“We’ve gone through injuries previously, and guys have stepped up,” Steindl said.
“Sean has been one of those guys that has stepped up in a place where I’ve been injured, or whoever else, and we trust the system and that’s what’s going to get us through this next little period.
“Someone’s going to have to step up in his place and not be a Sean Macdonald but just play within our system.
“There’s a bit of suck it up and see with this group at the moment in terms of losing blokes now, not really sure what it’s going to look like for the next couple of weeks.
“The way I see it we that was a chance for us to show some toughness (and) some resilience.”
After playing off in a thrilling five game championship series last season, Tasmania and Melbourne will open the season and while they may have bested United to claim the NBL24 Championship, Steindl knows they’ll once again be a contender this season.
“They’re still a high-powered offence, they’re wanting to play quick that first eight seconds. You’ve got Shea Ili, (Matthew) Dellavedova, pushing that ball, trying to get downhill on you. So you’ve got to be able to stop that and keep it within a half-court game and make them grind it out.
“And obviously brought Jack White back in (who’s) a very dynamic player that can play above the rim. So they’ve got pieces there, high scoring, they’re disciplined, so it’ll be a good test for us.”
Tip off for Thursday’s clash is at 8.30pm AEST.
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