Roth Praises JJ's Response

The Tasmania JackJumpers have got their NBL23 campaign back on track with three straight wins after Sunday’s 74-64 victory against Melbourne United.

Tasmania had a tough start to the season losing three straight games and playing four out of six games on the road, but have managed to reverse their fortunes. 

With away trips to New Zealand and Perth on the horizon, the JackJumpers are ready to maintain their momentum on the road following this Saturday's home clash with the Wildcats.

“We’ve had some big trips to come across from New Zealand and back, and we have some big trips ahead of us,” JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said.

“I think this league rewards teams that go through hard, we probably still have some hard roads ahead of us, but if you’re able to navigate that as a group, and don’t take it too personal, when you’re getting coached in any of those kinds of things, you’ll come out the other side.”

Tasmania’s lockdown defence has spearheaded victories over Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne. They held United to 64 points on Sunday, the second-lowest total in a game this season.

Roth said effort, hard work, physicality and the team culture has helped spark the turnaround.

“Our guys in the last 10 days have really responded to the incremental improvements that we needed,” Roth said.

“As long as they’re doing the work and showing up in practice, they’re always going to get a chance to get on the floor.

“Our defensive capability is always going to be with us and it’s always going to allow us a chance to win a game, and they were quite confrontational and tough (vs Melbourne) and I loved it.”

Undersized yet strong working centre Fabijan Krslovic, who led the team in scoring against United, has stepped up during the JackJumpers’ winning streak and in the continued absence of Will Magnay.

Roth explained how Krslovic is the perfect example of the club’s culture elevating a player’s performance.

“I’ve said this many times, I’ll take high character guys over talent. I love to have the most talented guy you think that is around, but I’m not going to take any knuckleheads and he is just a workhorse in his way he approaches the game,” Roth said.

Import forward Rashard Kelly was also praised by his coach on his work ethic and how he has slotted into the JackJumpers while happy to play the role as sixth man.

“He’s no nonsense, he’s got a great demeanour on the floor, he shows up to practice every day, just working as hard as he possibly can,” Roth said.

When asked on his thoughts about the positivity in the team at the moment, Kelly believes the club’s leaders are setting the tone.

“I think it’s just the Tasmania culture…listening to the people up top and they’re just guiding us in the right direction,” Kelly said.

The JackJumpers are back home on Saturday night against the Perth Wildcats.