Heart break and broken bone for fan-favourite Majok Deng

The Tasmania JackJumpers Majok Deng will be out for at least four-weeks after scans revealed the forward fractured his left lower leg in the opening game of the season.  

Deng made contact with South East Melbourne Phoenix Akech Aliir in the flow of the game with around three minutes and 30 seconds to go in the third quarter.

Remarkably, Deng went on to score a lay-up around 35 seconds later that tied the game before he came off the court just almost immediately after.  

A scan later revealed that the 33-year-old has a hairline fracture in his fibula, the smaller of the two shin bones, along with a corked calf muscle.  

The JackJumpers Head of High Performance Ryan Carroll said Deng was undertaking rest and rehabilitation.

“For this kind of injury we would aim for a return in four to six weeks,” Carroll said.  

“Time is one thing, but there will be constant assessment and rehabilitation to ensure Majok can return to his high level of performance.”

Development Player Jed Richardson will step up for extra game-time while Majok recovers.  

The 22-year-old from Brisbane has been impressing the coaches since his arrival on the island.

The club also confirmed that Josh Bannan will be a game time decision ahead of their home game against Melbourne United on Thursday night at 7:30pm.