JackJumpers get physical

Few teams have been able to stop Tasmania during its incredible run to the Grand Final series, but the JackJumpers’ players admit Sydney presents a whole different challenge.

It seems like an eternity ago a dominant Kings team raced out to a 16-point lead at the first period, then extended the margin to 28 by the half in front of a shocked MyState Bank Arena crowd. 

Of course, plenty has happened since that day on April 3, and the JackJumpers’ basketball has gone to a new level. But one thing remains the same, Sydney looms as a formidable opponent. 

“Last game we got smacked in the mouth early,” Tasmania’s Sam McDaniel said. 

“We didn’t follow the scout and they’re (the Kings) a very talented and athletic team and they like to run.”

Tasmania turned the tide in the second half last time around and will take huge confidence from a series-sealing win against Melbourne in enemy territory. 

“Melbourne like to grit and grind like we do and play defence, whereas Sydney want to get out and have a free-flowing game,” McDaniel explained. 

“We put some things in this morning that hopefully slow them down and keep it to a half-court game.”

For the JackJumpers, physicality is key.

“You saw that when we played Melbourne. The three-game series, every single game was incredibly physical,” McDaniel said. 

“I’ve told the boys, ‘just be ready for that’, when we are out on the practice court, preparing for that, training for that, so we’re ready and we don’t get smacked in the mouth in the first quarter like last time we played Sydney. 

“It’s just about being composed and executing the way we’ve done, not doing different, trusting the guys who’ve been taking and making shots all season and then relying on our defence.

“It’s (defence) been a staple for us all season long, it’s been the way we play defence and guard with all five guys. As long as we stick to that like we did in the Melbourne series, we’ll be in for a good show.”

After a two-win, six-loss start to the campaign, Tasmania has defied all odds. 

According to McDaniel, it’s testament to hard work and building strong relationships.

“To have a team like we’ve got and a bunch of guys who love each the way we do, having the coach of the year, and the incredible staff all around … to achieve the things we’ve achieved so far, makes it very worthwhile,” he said.

“It’s a very, very tight-knit group. I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a group like this before where everyone just enjoys each other’s company and it makes us play incredibly hard for each other and incredibly hard for the coach. That’s what it takes at this time of the season.” 

The JackJumpers have captured hearts and minds in their home state, with Sunday’s game two in Hobart already declared a sell-out. 

“We’re relying on our incredible home fans to hype us up,” McDaniel added. 

“This morning I got a coffee, and the people in the coffee shop were saying ‘congratulations’ and wishing us the best. That’s a state-wide thing.

“Everyone’s proud, we’re proud.

“We feel like the job’s not finished and we really want this championship.”