McVeigh Close, Steindl, Magnay Wait

By Dan Woods - NBL Media

The Tasmania JackJumpers’ trio of injured stars are on track to return to the court on schedule, according to head coach Scott Roth.

Clint Steindl (knee), Will Magnay (knee) and Jack McVeigh (shoulder) are all currently sidelined through injury, but things are looking up.

Magnay's problems with shaking a troublesome knee issue have been well documented, while Steindl and McVeigh both picked up injuries while representing the Boomers.

The JackJumpers have already signed injury replacement players Isaac White and Tristan Forsyth to cover for the long-term losses of Steindl and Magnay, but Roth says McVeigh is due back on the court in the near future.

“Clint … he just got his scan back and he seems to be fine, there’s no red flags in that. McVeigh is, I think, a week away or so depending on some testing for him and then Magnay is three weeks away until we find out – the injection takes six weeks to go through so he’s in the middle of that,” Roth said.

“He’s (McVeigh) actually a pain in the rear because he’s over there screaming and hollering and doing whatever – I’d rather have him on the court.

“He’s involved and doing a lot of extra work and he’s very close with the strength level back in his shoulder. There’s no rush to get him back on the court – he won’t play next week against South East but if we had to play a game we could play him.”

Despite having three injured stars on the sidelines, Tasmania’s playing stocks are looking good through the early stage of pre-season, with new import pair Rashard Kelly and Milton Doyle both impressing during their short time at the club so far.

Kelly, a six-foot-seven forward, has linked up with the JackJumpers after an extensive career in Europe, while Doyle earned minutes in the NBA early in his career before navigating Europe and the G-League.

“They’ve been fantastic, they’re enjoying Hobart. We’re in constant communication with them and they’re adapting well,” Roth said.

“The group’s good. It’s a competitive group, very feisty, and that’s what I love about them.

“With Rashard I’m surprised we have him here to be honest, because he’s really good. I mean that in a positive way in that he’s not with a Euroleague team, making a lot more money than he would be here.

“For him to be here with us and what I’ve seen with his skill level, he’s going to be really fun to watch for the league. He’s dynamic – he’s not going to score 20 points but how he plays is really great and I’m excited to have him.

“'Milt' on the other hand is a very unselfish player. He’s going to move the ball, he’s got versatility … he’s a good partner for Magette.”

The JackJumpers’ next stage of pre-season will take them on a tour of northern Tasmania, as the club looks to excite fans across the state. 

“This trip is to accomplish us touching as many people as we can while we’re up there. We have promos all afternoon, every single day we’re up there and these guys know they need to be out and about at schools and on TV and radio and be available,” Roth said.

“We’re going to try and scour that whole area as much as we can with our guys as well as trying to get our work done.”