ROUND 1 Perth Wildcats V Tasmania JackJumpers

GAME PREVIEW –

Round 1  –  Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers  

Friday 29 September, 6.30pm AWST tip-off / 9.30pm AEST

RAC Arena, Perth

Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

State of Play

The Tasmania JackJumpers certainly head into their third season as the hunted rather than the hunter. Two seasons in and two finals appearances, the JackJumpers start NBL24 by heading to Perth for one of the toughest challenges in the NBL – the Wildcats at home.

Both sides have a new look, none more so than Tasmania who have boosted their offensive fire power, adding some size and length in the likes of Marcus Lee and Majok Deng, and arguably upgrading the backcourt by bringing in dynamic point guard Jordon Crawford to support All NBL 5 Guard Milton Doyle.

Perth continue to add talent in their quest for yet another Championship to add to the trophy cabinet. On paper Perth have a perfect mix of experience and youth, and the high caliber talent to make a splash this season. The addition of former Taipans Forward Keanu Pinder is a big in for the West Australian side, while the Webster brothers will be dangerous in the backcourt. NBL veteran Bryce Cotton will inevitably be a powerhouse both in the paint and beyond the arc, but the question remains whether a team of champions equals a champion team.

A new season and new rosters makes for an intriguing contest in Round 1 as both sides look to get their season off to a winning start.

Last time they met  

NBL23 ROUND 17, January 29 2023 – MyState Bank Arena

The sides last met in late January 2023, in the second last regular season game in what was the JackJumpers Teal Charity Game. With the home side having an extra special reason to play for, as the club raised funds and awareness for S.H.E Gynaecological Cancer Group, the energy in MySTate Bank Arena was palpable from well before the first tip. Milton Doyle led the way with 21 points and 4 assists, while Jack McVeigh was strong off the bench with 18 points and 5 rebounds.

Shot accuracy helped the JackJumpers to a strong start and the home team lead by 13 at Half Time – the biggest lead of the game. But the Wildcats came out firing in the third term led by Tashawn Thomas. The JackJumpers rallied in the final term, assisted by a raucous home crowd with a 27 – 15 final quarter to run out 8-point winners.

Bryce Cotton played all 40 minutes of the game registering a double double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

from the JackJumpers was countered by Perth in the 2^nd with Tasmania leading by The racous home crowd helped the JackJumpers to

SRT Logistics Coaches’ take

Scott Roth said while Perth would inevitably be a talented side, he’s not focussed on individuals.

“I’m not looking at them at all to be honest, it’s about doing what we do well, and focussing on our systems. I say it every year, and it’s no different this season.

“My guys have come in and bought into our program, and we’re getting there. There’s still a heap of work to do but we’ll go over there and stick to what we know and see where it lands” Scott Roth said.

Ins & outs 

Tasmania JackJumpers: Will Magnay won’t suit up for the JackJumpers as he continues to recover from a foot injury sustained in the off season.

Perth Wildcats: TBC

Opponents on the Radar 

Next Star Alexandre Sarr will be one to watch. The 7ft French Sensation is tip to be among the top NBA draft prospects next year and will be looking to put his best foot forward right from the outset in the NBL.