Tasmania JackJumpers set to miss five first-choice players for pre-season games against Melbourne United

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has revealed he will be without five first-choice players for this week’s pre-season matches against Melbourne United.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth won’t put too much credence into this week’s two pre-season practice matches against Melbourne United but is hopeful of a strong start to the NBL24 season.

The Jackies face United in Ulverstone on Monday night followed by another matchup between the two in Launceston on Wednesday ahead of next month’s NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast and their first regular season clash on September 29.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has assembled a very strong roster for the upcoming NBL24 season (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

But with five first choice players unavailable for the two pre-season clashes, Roth said the matches were more important from an off-field perspective.

“For us it’s just about going out and enjoying ourselves and the guys that are around are some of the new guys,” he said.

“I don’t put too much creed in these games, I think Melbourne are in the same boat. It’s more about seeing where you are and then regrouping.

“The most important thing for me is to be up here and engage the fans. We are missing five players and Melbourne United six so we don’t have a full roster. The more important thing for us is to be around the community here.”

After working their way into both foundation and sophomore seasons in the league before eventually making a grand final and a semi-final series, Roth again wouldn’t place any expectations on what his new look team could achieve this season but was hopeful of a faster start.

Tasmania JackJumpers imports Marcus Lee (left), Jordon Crawford (middle) and Milton Doyle (right) will play a key role this season. Picture: Supplied.

“We have zero expectations. I don’t put any on this team,” Roth said.

“We don’t talk about winning or losing or the standings. We just talk about trying to win the day and the process.

“We have started slow the last two years so hopefully we can get off to a good start but the expectation is just to play hard and represent this state and defend the island. That’s the bottom line for me and how the wins or loses come is to be determined.”

Monday’s pre-season match kicks off at 6:30pm at the Ulverstone Sports & Leisure Centre with Wednesday’s clash at the Elphin Sports Centre also starting at 6:30pm.

Both are available to stream for free on the NBL app.