Changing of the guards: Why JJ's are ready to reload

It’s the beginning of a new era in Tasmania, with the club saying goodbye to two champions in the past week as they look ahead to NBL26.

First, it was Game 5 hero Jordon Crawford who was not offered a new contract. Now, it’s Milton Doyle, who informed the JackJumpers of his decision not to accept their offer, amidst reports of his signing with Melbourne United.

While some fans have been left frustrated by the loss of two key cultural figures, Pete Hooley believes the team is still on track to build something special.

“I’m still confident in this roster that Scott Roth is putting together, knowing the way he gets them to play,” he said on NBL Marketplace.

“As long as they stay healthy, they’re going to be a really tough team.

“They’ll go out and get a high-level import piece now.”

Tasmania Chief Operating Officer Darren Smith spoke on local SEN radio Monday about how the club offered Doyle “the second highest deal in the club’s history.”

“Tasmania isn’t a team that is known for not spending money,” ESPN’s Olgun Uluc said.

“When you look at the cash spend over the past couple of seasons, they’re up there as the fourth or fifth highest spending team ... so that isn’t an issue for Tasmania.”

It was also discussed how new recruit Josh Bannan would be a marquee player, becoming the club’s second alongside star big man Will Magnay.

NBL teams are permitted to have four total import and marquee spots, which can be used however the club chooses.

“With Bannan there .... they’re going into the season with two imports,” Hooley added.

“That means they’ve got a lot of money potentially in that pool right now to go and make a splash.”

Smith had a simple message for fans as well:

“I want to ensure everyone that Scott Roth, all the other assistant coaches and myself, we'll land on someone that is hopefully going to be pretty special.”