JackJumpers live by core values on first day of preseason training

The entire JackJumpers playing and coaching group were work on the official first day of preseason, albeit off the basketball court.

Head Coach Scott Roth led a unique initiative with major partner Willie Smith’s to set the tone for the JackJumpers’ inaugural NBL campaign.

The players were told at Thursday night’s team meeting that the first day of practice would be a laborious day working across the Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Rook Wood Orchard, Packing Shed and Cidery.

“I have had this vision for the first day of practice for many months” Roth said.

“Our players are comfortable on the basketball court. We could put them through rigorous weights or scrimmage sessions but that’s not necessarily building their character and resilience, and that’s huge for me.

“This is about showing gratitude and honouring those that helped us get to where we are today. Our mothers and fathers, those that have come before us and made sacrifices to allow us to play sport for a living.

”No matter how hard we work on the court, there’s others that work harder in more gruelling jobs. This initiative is taking these guys out of their comfort zone, igniting their work ethic, and realising how fortunate they are to be playing professional basketball and have the privileges that come with that” Roth said.

The Tasmania JackJumpers announced a three-year major partnership agreement with Willie Smith’s Cider in March and the players will proudly wear the Tasmanian brand’s logo on the back of the inaugural jersey.

Willie Smith’s Managing Director Andrew Smith said “we are really proud to help the JackJumpers begin their official preseason program in this exciting new era for basketball in Tasmania.

“We loved Scott’s idea to begin the official preseason working with our staff. We don’t take the hard work of our people for granted. The pickers in the orchards, the workers in the packing shed, they are the heart and soul of our business.

“We are an organisation built from humble beginnings, and with a lot of hard work and sacrifice, we have been able to build an authentic brand that enriches the Tasmanian community.

“We hope we can help embed that work ethic and philosophy in the JackJumpers playing group and staff, and help them stay humble and hungry” Smith said.