JackJumpers put to Work on First Official Day of Preseason

The JackJumpers playing squad and coaching group have put in the hard yards on day one of preseason, albeit away from the basketball court.

Head Coach Scott Roth led a unique initiative in the Huon Valley with partners Willie Smith’s and Bulk Nutrients, to set the tone for the JackJumpers’ 2022/23 NBL campaign.

“This is our first day of practice and it’s something I thought was hugely important for these players to understand what it means to be Tasmanian, and to work hand in hand with the Tasmanian community” Scott Roth said.

“It’s a privilege what we get to do daily and this is a chance to have a little humble pie and see the world through a different set of eyes and for our guys to interact with the staff at Willie Smith’s and Bulk Nutrients”.

The players spent a laborious day working across the Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Rook Wood Orchard, Packing Shed and Cidery, as well as in Bulk Nutrients’ warehouse packing orders, testing products and loading stock.

“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.

“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.

Willie Smith’s founder Andrew Smith said “the JackJumpers from day one have proved they’re all about community and culture, and it’s a thrill for us to have them come down here today and work with them and see what we do every day”.

“There’s no doubt associating with this team, that they’re very competitive. No matter whether they’re packing apple or playing basketball, they’re very very competitive” Smith laughed.

“Community, culture and being competitive is at the heart of everything we do and we feel that perfectly aligns with the JackJumpers. Last season was just such an amazing experience for us as sponsors and as fans, and to have the JackJumpers come back and give a bit back to our business and our staff is just a real treat”.

Bulk Nutrients took part in the initiative for the first time and were delighted to have the JackJumpers working in their Crabtree facility.

“It’s great to have the boys here immersing themselves with our products and in our organisation” Bulk Nutrients Director Ben Crowley.

“We’re a home-grown Tasmanian company and proud to help instil the hard-working values of Tasmanians into the team” Crowley said.