Roth turns up heat on new signings

HE’S a 6ft5 shooting guard but the JackJumper’s new offensive hand hot Junior Madut is ready to buy into the Jackies’ defensive game designed and built by crafty coach Scott Roth.

A powerhouse at the basket, Madut, 26, is in Hobart this week for the JJ’s Mini Camp getting to know his new teammates, club and environment, and so far he likes what sees.

“It’s a bit cold but for the most part I’m enjoying it, the guys have been great and practice has been amazing,” Madut said.

“It’s good to come here for a week and get a taste of what I am in for, go back and know what I’m coming into.”

Madut likes the family-orientated atmosphere of the club.

“It’s going to be very cool to be a part of this,” he said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Junior Madut of the Phoenix celebrates the win during the round 17 NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Cairns Taipans at State Basketball Centre, on January 25, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

A proven dynamic scorer, Madut is thrilled to secure an opportunity with the Jack Jumpers and prove himself in the NBL after one season with Phoenix in NBL23.

“My first year [NBL] was good, I had glimpses of good moments, but I don’t think I have reached my full potential as a basketball player,” he said.

“I think this is the place where I can do that, just get better and do whatever I can to help the team win.”

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Junior Madut of the Phoenix shoots during the round two NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and South East Melbourne Phoenix at WIN Entertainment Centre, on October 06, 2022, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

The defensive side of his game will get a workout in JJs colours.

“It’s something that I pride myself on so I’m happy to be a part of that and bringing that to the team,” he said.

Roth has high hopes for Madut.

“He’s still young and got a lot of growth in him and this environment will continue to build upon his professionalism to go play,” Roth said.

“He’s around great guys and will be in a situation to learn our system and grow in our system.

“All the guys who come here, nothing is promised to them other than the opportunity to come and compete.

“Somehow or another, everyone gets on the floor and some take more advantage than others _ Seany Mac [Macdonald] is a great example of that.”

Back in Tasmania after a three-month absence, Roth plans to hone the team’s defensive game and introduce his new players to his “Defend the Island” mantra.

“There’s not new tricks…play defence _ the game’s pretty simple when you really think about it,” Roth said.

“The teams that play defence are the ones that get to the play-offs and usually win championships.

“If you’re lucky enough to have a good offence to go with it, then you’re cooking with gas.”

Roth is all business and expects his squad to feel the heat.

“It gets turned up the moment they step in the building,” Roth said.

“We don’t allow them to have anything other than to come here to work.

“They understand what it means to Defend the Island. It’s one of the things we talk about every day and how we can do that better.

“We are trying to represent this whole place [Tasmania] and our work ethic is something we can hang our hat on.”